Chris Cagle Country Music and Horseman

Chris Cagle Country Music Singer and Horseman

If you know anything about our podcast, you know I'm a big Clinton Anderson fan. I have been for a long time. I watch, listen, and read most everything he produces. I also love music. I was a weekend DJ at a country music station back in the 80's. In looking for something a little different for the podcast, I remembered the episodes on RFD-TV that Clinton did with Chris Cagle. I thought Chris would make a great guest on the show.   Chris seemed to struggle with many of the challenges of learning about horsemanship as you or I.  He is a regular guy.  He entertains thousands of people for a living.

Of course, I really didn't think a big country music singer like Chris Cagle would have time for our podcast, but I looked up Chris' agent and fired off an email. They were very nice and said they would forward my request to Chris. About a week later, I got an email from Chris' road manager looking to arrange the interview. As luck would have it, Chris was playing in my hometown of Bakersfield at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace.  I asked if we could do something in person because the sound would be better. The next day I am nervously standing outside of Chris Cagle's tour bus announcing myself to my contact person, "You the horse guy?" he asks.

"That's me", I say.

"Come on follow me."

It's exciting stepping into the inner sanctum of the star's tour bus - a little noisier than I thought. It was five in the afternoon.  Chris had a meet-and-greet at 7:00 and went on at 7:30. I sat down, introduced myself, and right away we were talking horses. Some of the best conversations I've had were while I'm setting up the recorder, and while it didn't take me more than 45 seconds to have everything up and running, we were well into Chris' first story. You'll hear some noise in the background as Chris band members go in and out of the bus. The sound  might be a little echoy, I had to really work on reducing the drone of the bus' engine or AC, but it is worth every minute. We talked for an hour and a half, sitting around like we had known each other for years. Chris Cagle shares some fascinating insights and emotions about horses, life, kids, music, and Clinton Anderson. Chris was so generous with his time,  you will hear at the end of the interview Chris'  band mates had to come pull him away.

Links:

Chris Cagle website:  Chris Cagle.com

Chris Cagle latest album:  Back in the Saddle

Clinton Anderson website:  Downunder Horsemanship.com

Contact Us

We have well over 70 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening,

John & Ranae

Episode #038

 

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Vaquero Heritage Trainer Challenge Podcast

Vaquero Heritage Trainer Challenge Podcast

You've heard the pre-show episode.  You've seen the video.  Now, you get to hear the in-depth interviews with the folks from the Vaquero Heritage Trainer Challenge.  Each trainer had a horse in training for 3-4 months.  Then, during the event, they had a young horse to work with.

We speak to Diana Palmer, care-taker of the Wild Horses of Oak Creek and learn more about the horses and their history - or what's known about them.

Dave Lemley, rides with the Search and Rescue civilian side of the LAPD.  As a trainer, we catch up it Dave right after leaving his young horse on Day 1.  Dave talks about his goals in horse training and how he accomplished them.  Next up is Amber McGee, a local gal new to horse training.  Amber is involved in The Life Savers Wild Horse Rescue in Tehachapi.  she talks about what is like learning her craft and working with feral horses.  She also credits Whoa Podcast friend and trainer Matt Sheridan with helping her learn so much about horsemanship.

Monica Whitmer was not sure she would fit in.  She is an English rider and performs Dressage.  After consulting with the organizers, she decided to put her skills to the test.  Monica loves these feral Oak Creek horses.  She calls them Tehachapi Mountain Horses.  Monica tells us her plans of training one or two of these horses every year.

Steve Perron works in the movie business but his heart is with the feral horse.  Steve also volunteers with Life Savers Wild Horse Rescue.  A tinkerer at heart, Steve builds horse carriages out of PVC and hooks up young horses.  He feels it is important to get these horses used to whatever may come their way.

Dave Wratchford has been training horses for twenty years.  Originally from the east coast, Dave now lives out west.  Dave talks about the horse get a job and doing it right away.  Dave came into the long side of the competition late.  He quickly caught up and had his horse working on cattle.

We also have a conversation with judge Jeff Ohaco from Ojai.  He offers some insight into how the event was judged.  He also gives us his thoughts on this type of training.

Maryanne Murray came to watch the event.  After sitting in the stands for three days watching the training, she could not resist.  During the auction she bid on and won a Oak Creek horse.

Finally, we catch back up with Jeremy Dunn who gives some final thoughts on the trainers and the events.

Contact Us

We have well over 60 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #037

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Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge

Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge

Photo by Diana Palmer

The Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge is happening October 10th, 11th, and 12th at the Sterling Arena in Tehachapi.  Using the feral horses of the Oak Creek Canyon Ranch, five trainers are working ten horses.  The first horse each trainer will show is one they received from Oak Creek back in June.  They have been able to work with the horse, create a bond, and will be showing off their talents.

The second horse they will be seeing for the first time at the Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge.  They will have three days to build a relationship and put a start on the horse.  The horses of Oak Creek Canyon are believed to be descended from Morgan horses that were turned loose or escaped from some early Morgan horse breeders in the area.  With California in the midst of a severe drought, the feral herd has taken its toll on the land.  In an effort to bring the land and the horses back in balance, efforts are being made to more effectively manage the herd.  The horses are smart, sure-footed, and have a good disposition.

Photo by Diana Palmer

Jeremy Dunn of the JB Cattle Co.  is the organizer of the Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge and joins us on the show to talk about the format of the event, the trainers up for the challenge and these very unique horses.

Contact Us

We have well over 60 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #036

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Reckless Korean War Horse Marine Hero

Reckless Korean War Horse Marine Hero

Episode #035

Have you heard the story of Reckless Korean War Horse Marine hero?  Janet Barrett has written a wonderful account of a Jeju pony "drafted" by the U.S. Marines Fifth Regiment's Recoilless Rifle Platoon. From the racetrack of Korea, Reckless grew into a real-life hero of the Korean War.  On today's show Janet joins us to share some of the stories about this amazing little horse. We get to know about the background of the men who took a chance on Reckless.  We also gain some insight into how Reckless returned that trust.

Janet's has written the book, They Called Her Reckless - A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse.  It  is a fascinating true story of how a horse bonded with her Marine "herd" to become an integral part in the Battle of Outpost Vegas of the Korean War.

Janet not only tells the story of Reckless' war heroics, but she also paints a wonderful portrait of her personality that endeared her to  generals, officers,  and enlisted men alike.  The book covers the life of Reckless based on extensive interviews with over 60 Korean War veterans.  The book is a wonderful read.  Janet is a great storyteller and wonderful interview.  More importantly, Janet offers background on the Korean War, sometimes referred to as The Forgotten War.

Returning home to Camp Pendleton in California, Reckless attended ceremonies for the Marine Corp.  She continued receiving promotions and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant before her retirement.  A statue of Reckless charging up a hill stands at the National Museum of the Marine Corp in Virginia.

If you have a soft spot for heartwarming horse stories, you will love the story of Reckless Korean war horse Marine hero.

Links for this show:

Janet Barrett

They Called Her Reckless at Amazon.com

National Museum of the Marine Corp

Contact Us

We have well over 60 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

Please let us know your thought, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

 

 

 

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Matt Sheridan Horsemanship

Matt Sheridan Horsemanship

Episode #034

Horse and people trainer Matt Sheridan stopped by the Whoa Podcast studios in 2011.  We were there to plug his appearance on an RFD-TV show, but the best part of a sit down with Matt Sheridan is the stories he tells.  Oh, and he has a lot of them.  Matt Sheridan is a fifth generation horseman and I think, if it has been done on a horse, Matt or someone in his family has done it.  Matt's been an extra in the movies.  He's taken a Mustang through the Mustang Makeover project, and he is an AHCA judge.  This is a fun little interview, but we pass - well Matt passes - along some great horsemanship advice.  Matt tells us about his early years in horsemanship.

You can find out more about Matt Sheridan Performance Horses by visiting his Facebook Page.  You can find his five steps to body control on YouTube.  Matt also has a website, Matt Sheridan Performance Horse,  with lots of great stuff and chronicles his training of Luna, a Mustang.

Get a Lesson - Attend a Clinic with Matt Sheridan

Need help with your horse or want to improve things like your horsemanship, show, or trail skills?  Matt has a variety of clinics available every year.  Check out his clinic schedule HERE.

If you would like to see what our Clinic Experience was like with Matt Sheridan, check out this video we produced:  Matt Sheridan Trail Clinic

 

Contact Us

We have well over 60 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

Please let us know your thought, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

 

 

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Horse Rescue Bakersfield Hooves-Paws.Org

Horse Rescue Bakersfield Hooves-Paws.Org

Episode #033

Our show is dedicated to a Horse Rescue in Bakersfield.  I have always admired people who actively seek out horses or other animals in need, then help them out.  While there are probably hundreds of these organizations across the country, there is always a need for more.  On todays show we take a look at a local organization here in Bakersfield helping horses.  Affectionately known as Whiskers Paws Hooves and Claws, the group’s website is hooves-paws.org and is a 501c3 non-profit.  Hooves and Paws helps in a number of ways - Whether it’s rescuing horses from an abusive relationship or educating new owners of the basics of horse husbandry.  They started out as just a group of people who saw a need.  They knew they could make a difference.  As an organization, the group soon realized they needed to have a concise and focused mission statement to guide them.  Their mission statement is simple, yet effective:

They want to:

• Supply financial support to foster homes and assist in horse rescue efforts and rehabilitation.
• Help with the medical financial burdens of animals suffering from abuse.
• Support local adoptions by donating funds to lower adoption fees, thus reducing the load placed on animal shelters.
• Promote a  volunteer program that helps people who have struggled with abuse, medical issues, and other personal hardship's. Their volunteers learn marketing, animal care, particularly horse-keeping,  and public relations through fundraising programs.

Funded through donations, sponsorship, grants, and fundraisers Whiskers, Paws, Hooves, and Claws is making a difference as a horse rescue Bakersfield.

Horse Rescue Bakersfield Success Stories

Sampson Today

Sampson Before

 

Chance when rescued

Chance Today

We caught up with the group’s director, Julie Sugg at a local stable where she boards and cares for  the horses that are part of the organization.

No matter where you live there is a group of people working hard to improve the welfare of horses.  They can use your help.  Look them up.  Help them if you can.  Maybe it’s money.  Maybe it’s a few hours with helping with the horses (is that work? I don’t think so).  Maybe it’s donating an old bit, bridle or saddle for a fundraiser.  Any way you can help would be appreciated.  If you would like to help Whiskers, Paws, Hooves, and Claws head on over to hooves-paw.org and find out how you can lend a hand.  Or, better yet, like them on Facebook at Whiskers, Paws, Hooves, and Claws

 Contact Us

We have well over 60 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

Please let us know your thought, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

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Tommy Thompson Cowhorses

Tommy Thompson Cowhorses

Episode #032

Our visit to Tommy Thompson Cowhorses.  I first met Tommy Thompson at a recent campdraft event.  When I saw him ride I knew he would be a great guest for our show.  He agreed to come on the show and asked me what I wanted to do.  I have been struggling with making a transition from the snaffle to the bridle.  While I had never been too concerned with this, the snaffle is easy to ride in and Jessie responds well to it, I wanted to do more sorting and rope work and needed to move to a one-handed set up.

Of course, when you are inexperienced like me, you begin to expect every trainer you run into to tell you are doing everything wrong.  It goes with the territory.  I don't take it personal.  So, when Tommy Thompson said I was doing it wrong, it was no surprise.  But like many things, there is more than one way to get the job done.  When you go to a trainer like Tommy Thompson you get the value of all of HIS years of experience.  He was able to evaluate the tools I had and give me the best way to reach my goal.

Ride Along With Me

We tried to produce this podcast so you could take it along when you ride.  Give it a try.  There are a lot of little parts to each maneuver.  Having someone in your ear giving you the little adjustments will help you learn faster.

About Tommy Thompson Cowhorses

Tommy Thompson has trained and competed in the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity.  He has won the Limited  Open, Fence Work Open, and Intermediate Open Reserve Champion.  Located in Shafter, California, Tommy Thompson is available to train your horse, train you, coach you, or give a clinic.  You can reach him at (661)-496-8729 or by email at: CACowhorse@Yahoo.com

Contact Us

We have well over 60 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

Please let us know your thought, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

 

 

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