Embracing the Challenge of Being Your Best Every Day

·32 min·3 clips

Phil Haugen admits he used to ride everyone's clinic horses out of insecurity, but now believes that doesn't help the trainer.

In this solo episode, Phil Haugen reflects on his clinic season from his training facility. He starts by describing the weather transition to winter and its benefits for horse training. Phil recounts his recent clinics in Delta and Fillmore, Utah, noting the competitive nature of the region and the wide age range of attendees. He observes that horses' body language reveals their comfort and confidence, a key point discussed at the clinics. Phil compares training a horse to a job where clear expectations lead to confidence. He admits to past mistakes in his own training journey, emphasizing that learning from failure is valuable. A story about a rider named Katie illustrates perseverance; her reactive mare showed significant improvement after Katie controlled her thoughts and stayed on. Phil explains he no longer rides clinic participants' horses, realizing it was driven by insecurity rather than helping trainers build their own connections. He discusses the universality of clear signals across horse disciplines. Phil shares his gratitude for getting to do what he loves, having done about 25 events this year. He stresses the need to invest in oneself, often through mentors, and control one's thought process. Using the example of his team roping partner Wade's emotional steadiness, Phil highlights managing highs and lows. He mentions the World Series Finals in Las Vegas, linking belief and preparation. Phil details his three-card system used for 25 years, focusing on knowing your position, goal, and plan. He describes a personal day babysitting his granddaughter Stevie Ray, acknowledging not every day involves horsemanship practice. The episode concludes with an inspirational story about trainer Chance and his family facing a health challenge, which motivated others. Phil thanks his community and encourages daily 1% improvement.

As heard by us

A steady horsemanship check-in on winter weather, reading horses, and treating daily work as a privilege.

Phil Haugen opens on a brisk Monday morning at his training facility, taking stock of how fall is giving way to winter after an unusually late stretch and sharp temperature swings.

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Why you'd press play

You want a cold-morning reset for horse work, blanketing, and your attitude.

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