In this episode of Ride On with Julie Goodnight, Julie takes a thoughtful look at one of the most common—and misunderstood—behavior challenges horse owners face: separation stress. Why can some horses quietly leave the herd while others panic, call, rush back, or completely shut down? And why is it sometimes the horse left behind—not the horse being ridden away—that has the biggest reaction? Julie explains the difference between these two forms of separation anxiety, shares an update from the ranch, and tells a story about helping her young colt Rip build independence in small, manageable steps. Then, in What the Hay? Q&A, she answers listener questions about a mare with severe distress when left alone, a newly bonded horse, and the story behind the flags hanging in her indoor arena.

The Secret Ingredient: Managing the Herd-Bound Horse https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/the-secret-ingredient-managing-the-herd-bound-horse/

Horsemanship Homework Calming Exercises https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/horsemanship-homework-april-2020/

Your Horse’s Quiet Place; Teaching the head down cue https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/your-horses-quiet-place-teaching-the-head-down-cue/

Back from the Brink: Managing Emotional Meltdowns in horses: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/back-from-the-brink-managing-emotional-meltdowns-in-horses/

Saddle Fit Guide https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/saddle-fit-guide/

Leave Julie a Google review https://g.page/r/CSISpaMrd33aEAE/review

Goodnight Academy https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/

Behavior video https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/behavior/

Leadline Leadership https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/lead-line-leadership-full-video/

Rethinking Traditional Horsemanship and Finding a Kinder Way Forward

Description

In this episode of Ride On with Julie Goodnight, we take a deep dive into what non-confrontational handling looks like with horses. I’ll share how guidance differs from micromanagement, and how trust, consistency, and clarity create willing partners—not resentful ones. I’ll start with some seasonal updates from the ranch, then share a powerful story about a mare named Truth Takes Time, who showed me just how far quiet leadership can go. Finally, we’ll wrap up with listener questions on managing ulcers, working through disagreements with your trainer, and a question about one of the important tenets of Classical Horsemanship.

Desensitizing with Advance & Retreat -

1. https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/managing-fearful-behavior-in-horses/

Clear cues/sequencing cues/cue clarity -

1. https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/small-steps-to-big-achievements/

Calming exercises: 3-step circling and lateral flexion/changes of direction -

1. https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/horsemanship-homework-april-2020/

Goodnight's Principles of Riding #1 Balance & Rhythm - https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/balance-and-rhythm-full-video/

Goodnight's Principles of Riding #2 Communication & Control -

https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/communication-and-control-full-video/

Julie Goodnight’s Events Schedule:

https://juliegoodnight.com/events-2/

Sign up for Julie’s Newsletter:

https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/wishlist-member-3/?reg=1392669509

Ride On with Julie Goodnight Podcast:

https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/audios/ride-on-podcast/

Email Questions for Julie’s Q&A section of her podcast:

podcast@juliegoodnight.com

Facebook:

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Leave Julie a Google Review:

https://g.page/r/CSISpaMrd33aEBI/review

Have you ever asked your horse to do something—and got a big, resounding “NO”? Maybe they planted their feet, balked at the trailer, or just shut down. It’s frustrating, even scary at times.

In this month’s episode of Ride On with Julie Goodnight, we’re tackling one of the most misunderstood behaviors in horses: refusal—and what it really means.

Show Notes:

Julie Goodnight’s Blog Archives:

https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/julie-blog/

Fear and Refusal:

https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/rearing-to-go/

See Julie’s Top Level Membership here:

https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/interactive-membership-benefits/

Julie’s Shop:

https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/

Rope Sale:

https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/25-off-colorful-rope-product-while-supplies-last/

For our podcast listeners: Use the promo code TIEDUP10 at checkout to get 10% off all training tools and rope products in our store!

Julie Goodnight’s Events Schedule:

https://juliegoodnight.com/events-2/

Sign up for Julie’s Newsletter:

https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/wishlist-member-3/?reg=1392669509

Ride On with Julie Goodnight Podcast:

https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/audios/ride-on-podcast/

Email Questions for Julie’s Q&A section of her podcast:

podcast@juliegoodnight.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/juliegoodnight

Leave Julie a Google Review:

https://g.page/r/CSISpaMrd33aEBI/review