Episode 9: Patrick King

In just a few months, we’ve produced nine episodes of our new podcast, Best Horse Practices with Jec Ballou. Over 4,000 listeners have downloaded our show and three sponsors have come aboard. We thank our wonderful listeners and are humbled by our enthusiastic sponsors: Horse […]

Episode 8: Katrin Silva

Listen to Episode 8 In our 8th episode, we welcome Lucerne Farms as our charter title sponsor. Lucerne Farms is a successful, small company in northern Maine. On hundreds of acres in Aroostock County – the biggest county east of the Mississippi – Lucerne produces […]

Episode 7: Saddle Fit

In our 7th episode, Jec interviews saddle fitting expert Kristen Vlietstra. The California-based saddler works with horses and riders of all disciplines. In this conversation, the two discuss simple ways to assess good saddle fit and some common concerns. Listen here. Here is Kristen’s blog […]

Episode 6: Rider Fitness with Michael Lingenfelter

In just our sixth episode, Jec interviews Michael Lingenfelter, a personal trainer who works with scores of riders, especially older dressage riders. Listen to Episode 6. Here are important links that you might enjoy and find helpful: Michael’s page on Facebook and his website. Our […]

Episode 5: Coaches’ Corner with Amy Skinner

Listen to Episode 5 In this episode, Jec establishes a recurring feature called the Coaches’ Corner in which she interviews fellow trainers and teachers to talk about elements of their work. Here, she interviews Amy Skinner from Rougemont, North Carolina. Amy has studied with scores […]

Ballou and Butcher on Episode 4

For just our fourth episode on the increasingly popular Best Horse Practices podcast with Jec Ballou, the interviewer turns the microphone on producer Maddy Butcher. LISTEN HERE Don’t forget: During the month of September, you can enter to win a Patagonia WorkWear item by simply […]

Patagonia WorkWear Giveaway

We’re thrilled to have Patagonia WorkWear support the Best Horse Practices podcast. Just three podcasts in, WorkWear is offering two fantastic giveaways to listeners during the month of September. Listeners will get their choice of a men’s or women’s style. Choose a Men’s Iron Forge […]

Podcast in Development

It’s about time… During the pandemic, Maddy Butcher and Jec Ballou have been working on a podcast for horse owners and riders. Look for the first episodes in the next few months and stay tuned for details. Here are a few as they work through […]

Savitsky and Ballou on rider fitness

As part of our Focus on Fitness, we spoke with accomplished riders and teachers, Christina Savitsky and Jec Aristotle Ballou. When not running a ranch and raising a family, Christina Savitsky is busy with Buckaroo Balance clients. Buckaroo Balance combines good riding with therapy, mindfulness, […]