Join Ben Cunningham and Joe McDonald as they share laughs and explore ideas. This is a podcast for lively, unscripted and honest conversations with friends about, horses, life, shared interests and the nuances of what it means to be “on the move”.
Ben Cunningham and Joe McDonald
Lauren Trager-Burns is a Clinical Assistant professor at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Her residency was in Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Today she currently practices on performance horses from both the English and Western disciplines. Joe and Lauren sit down to discuss her career, equine orthopedics and recovery. Topics discussed include working with off the track thoroughbreds, the best recovery tools for your horse and the importance of a proper warmup.
Joe and Ben sit down to discuss the recent controversy with Charlotte Dujardin, an Olympic Dressage rider from the UK who withdrew from the Paris Olympics after a video was exposed of her whipping a student's horse 24 times in a row. The Dujardin controversy has sparked a lot of discussion in the equine world and has sparked a larger audience with some even calling for the banning of equine events in the Olympics. Joined by their friend, Noelle Hasler, Ben and Joe discuss the details of Charlotte's video, the international response and how it impacts the larger equine community.
Ryley Miller is a competitive horse driver from Pennsylvania. She currently competes at the FEI 2 Star level. FEI driving operates similar to three day eventing. It consists of three phases, Dressage, Marathon and Cones. Ryley joins Ben and Joe to educate them on this discipline and share her journey as a young driver making her way to the upper echelon of the sport. Topics discussed include the format of driving competitions, the horses and gear used in driving and the challenges of being a young competitor at a high level.
Scott and Andrea Van Leuven live in Lovelock, Nevada. Scott is the cow boss at the C Punch Ranch, a million acre ranch with one fence. They operate on a harvest model, meaning they never pull out their bulls and they calve year round. This model creates a unique job description for Scott and Andrea who consistently rope and work cattle in the open. The Van Leuven's join Ben and Joe to talk about their day to day on the C Punch and how they have seen ranching change over their careers. Topics discussed include how in the introduction of Angus cattle has influenced stockmanship, the type of horses required for long days in rural Nevada, and the practical use of traditional buckaroo roping.
Dr. Deb Bennett is the founder of the Equine Studies Institute. For over three decades, Dr. Bennett has used her PhD in Vertebrae Paleontology and her passion in horses to help educate people on biomechanics. Dr. Bennett joins Ben and Joe to discuss another hot button item in the horse world: collection. The conversation starts with Asian horsemen from thousands of years ago and ends with modern day disciplines and how collection is used. Topics discussed include what is high collection, what has been mistaken for collection in the past and why collection ultimately boils down to a coiling of the horses loins. Tune in for an incredibly interesting discussion on a hot button issue in the horse world.
Dougie Hall is an social media influencer, public speaker and the owner of Good Medicine Bucking Horses. Dougie lives in Browning, Montana on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation. Today, Dougie gives back to his community through his public speaking. He believes it's important to share his story to help inspire young natives to overcome the generational trauma that can often be common in their communities. In addition to his public speaking, Dougie breeds bucking horses. A passion he learned from his uncle, Mouse Hall. Dougie joins Ben and Joe to share his story and talk about his perspective on leading a fulfilling and enriching life.
John Darnell is the founder of 310 Ranch Life. Originally a ranch rope dealership, 310 Ranch Life now sells ropes, tack, apparel, has a video library, puts on clinics and sponsors ranch roping competitions. John sits down with Ben and Joe to share his journey from hard working cowboy to small business owner. John started learning his craft through recreational ranch ropings, but was given the opportunity to hone his skills when he was given the task of managing herd health for a very large cattle operation in Alabama. Topics discussed include when is the right time to go full time with your business, the time and work required to master your craft, and stories from the most recent 310 Ranch Life trip to the C Punch ranch in Nevada.
Chris Turnbull manages a station for the Lansdowne Pastoral Company in Tambo, Queensland, Australia. Chris grew up in rural Queensland and was raised up in station life. Today Chris uses dogs, horses, and his crew to manage sheep and cattle in the Australian outback. Chris joins Ben and Joe in person to discuss horsemanship, stock dogs and life in the Australian bush.
Loncey Johnson is a saddle maker and cowboy from Dillon, Montana. From an early age, he had an interest in leather working. Loncey started his saddle making career in his teenage years and has continued to grow his business ever since. Ben and Joe sit down with Loncey to discuss his perspective as a younger saddle maker and how he balances tradition with new style and design. Topics discussed include growing your business, what makes a good using saddle and how western saddle trends have changed with the modern cowboy.
Kyle Noyce is a reined cow horse trainer from Blanchard, Oklahoma. Kyle grew up in Northern Minnesota, and despite not coming from "horse family", he has always had a passion for working with horses. Today, Kyle is a well known trainer in the NRCHA. Kyle joins Ben and Joe to share his journey of learning to work with horses by "diving in the deep end" and how an extended hiatus from horse training allowed Kyle to come back to the sport with a better perspective and the right motivation. Topics discussed include how to lead a training program, what makes a trainer successful in reined cow horse, and the importance of approaching horse showing the right way.
Sam Cockburn is a steeplechase trainer and Jockey from Middleburg, VA. Sam grew up surrounded by the steeplechase industry that is father was involved in. Today Sam pursues his goals of making successful steeplechase horse. Join Ben and Joe as they sit down with Sam to learn about the American Steeplechase industry and what it takes to be successful. Topics discussed include the confirmation needed for longevity in racing, the difference between hurdle and timber racing and what it takes to prepare a horse to be accurate to a jump while putting forth such large physical exertion. Tune in for a fun conversation about an industry rich in tradition and excitement.
Ben and Joe sit down for a solo episode to celebrate and reflect on making it to 100 episodes. They reflect on how the podcast and their time in the horse business has changed them. Topics discussed include the importance of not rushing to judgement, the power conversation has to build empathy and understanding, and what it means to be an onlooker versus the man in the arena. Join Ben and Joe as they celebrate this milestone and look forward to hundreds of more episodes thanks to listeners like you!
Josey Wales (his nickname that was affectionately bestowed upon him by the 6666s cowboys) came to the US for the first time in 2017. Ever since he was young, Josey wanted to be a cowboy. However, he was not born in the heart of Texas, rather the rural hills of Wales. After graduating from university, Josey decided to pursue his boyhood dream of cowboying and went to Texas. This led him to the 6666s ranch of all places where he would meet cowboys such as former guest, Dusty Burson, and cowboy legend, Boots O'Neal. Though the road wasn't easy and the learning curve was steep, Josey continues to pursue the craft of cowboying today. Join Ben and Joe as they sit down with Josey to discuss this tale of determination, toughness and a man who is turning himself into a true Texas cowboy, despite the odds.
Scot “Indy” O'Connor is the head trainer at the Arizona Wild Horse and Burro Inmate program. Indy works for the state of Arizona in conjunction with the federal government to take wild horses and burros and start them using inmates from the Arizona Correctional Industries. Indy joins Ben and Joe to share the story that led him to finding this role. Topics covered include getting started in horsemanship, the impact a horse can have on human and how Scot came to have his famous nickname, Indy.
Damien is a horse trainer from England. Originally from Ireland, Damien has built his business from the ground up. While working as a groom, he discovered that most folks around him worked around horse problems, rather than fixing them. This led Damien to study horsemanship and begin searching for how to work with a horse. After working for several different trainers from across the globe, Damien was able to start full time on his business in northern England. Tune in for an interesting conversation about what it's like to be a horse trainer and business owner in the UK.
Ben and Joe sit down to discuss their thoughts from their most recent clinic. Topics discussed include how to apply horsemanship ideas, giving the horse freedom to choose, and the importance of having goals. Tune in for a fun, philosophical conversation about the journey of horsemanship.
Dusty Burson is the manager of the Dixon Creek division of the 6666s. Dusty grew up in a ranching family and started colts from a young age. Dusty went to Texas Tech where he was apart of the Ranch Horse Team. This experience connected him with the 6666s ranch and earned him a job as a horse trainer. Dusty now works as a part of the cattle operation as a division manager. Dusty joins Ben and Joe to share his story and what his life is like on one of the most historic ranches in the US. Topics discussed include showing horses, the unique value of ranch life, and the importance of tradition.
Scott Gore is a rawhide braider from Stockton, Missouri. Scott developed a love of braiding and cowboy culture from an early age. His love of roping and riding has lead him to become a maker of reatas, hondas, hackamores, and more. Scott joins Ben and Joe to share his story of becoming a full time maker, including how social media and online education has helped him and his business. Topics discussed include managing your own business, finding passion in your craft, and the joys of teaching.
Reata Clark, daughter of former guest, Buck Brannaman, works with her family at the OW Land and Cattle Company. She and her husband also own Clark Ranch Horses & Performance Prospects. Reata joins Ben and Joe to discuss her upbringing, her family and her keys to success within the horse industry. Topics discussed include producing sale horses, raising kids around animals and Reata's time teaching the colt starting class at Montana State University.
Stephen Yellowtail is a rancher from Wyola, Montana. Known for his appearance on Ultimate Cowboy Showdown, Stephen has also done work as a stunt rider for projects such as Lawmen: Bass Reaves and Yellowstone 1883. Stephen joins Ben and Joe to share his journey from college basketball player, to rancher, to professional stuntman. Topics discussed include horsemanship, stunt riding, and the importance of being open to new opportunities.
Shawn Hays is a NRCHA million dollar ride and winner of the 2024 World's Greatest Horseman. Shawn joins Ben and Joe to share his journey to winning the event, including the development of his bridle horse, MoonshineAndTwoAdvil. Topics discussed include Shawn's training program, what led him to reined cow horse, and his philosophy on finding the right horses.
Chas Weldon is a saddle maker from Billings Montana. Chas has over 40 years of saddle making experience and a deep understanding of the history of the wade saddle. Topics discussed include how to become a saddle maker, the changes in the leather working industry, and the unique design choices Chas makes on his saddles.
Jeff Mundell is a ranch manager from Central California. Jeff has a deep appreciation for the Californio Style Bridle Horse which has led him to be the announcer for large ranch ropings such as the Buck Brannaman ProAm and the Buckaroo Traditions Gathering. Jeff joins Ben and Joe to discuss adaptive grazing, stockmanship, horsemanship, roping and much more.
Michelle Serna is a social media influencer and co-founder of Bridle. Known for her Tik Tok presence as Broke Ass Horse Girl, Michelle is a successful young entrepreneur in the horse industry. Originally working in tech in silicone valley, Michelle has returned to her roots of rodeo and rural living. Today, among other things, she works on Bridle, an application geared towards helping horse trainers with their business. Topics discussed include being true to yourself, the importance of change, and the current state of the horse industry.
Cary Schwarz has been a saddle maker for over 40 years and is a founding member of the Tradition Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA). The TCAA is a non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional cowboy crafts, such as saddle making. Cary joins Ben and Joe to discuss his career and involvement in the TCAA. Topics discussed include the founding of the TCAA, the balance between form and function, and what it means to be an artist.
Ben and Joe return from their winter break to discuss what's new for them, their business and their horses. Topics discussed include social media, blanketing, and getting started on your horsemanship journey.
Cliff Williamson is the former Director of Health and Regulatory Affairs for the American Horse Counsel and current Executive Director of the Virginia Agribusiness Council. Cliff joins Ben and Joe to discuss horse racing, the history horses in America, the NFR and much more.
Travis Burns is an Associate Professor of Practice and Chief of Farrier Services for the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Travis Burns, the first guest ever on the podcast, returns to talk about the state of the farrier industry. Topics discussed include aluminum horse shoes, glue on horse shoes, 3D printed horse shoes and much more.
Dr. Deb Bennett is the founder of The Equine Studies Institute. Her Ph.D. in Vertebrate Paleontology and love of horses has led her to be highly respected for her understanding of confirmation and equine biomechanics. Deb joins Ben and Joe to discuss her journey, her time spent with Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrance, and the always popular topic of bending a horse.
Kathy Knox is a stock dog trainer from Missouri. Her and her husband (former guest Jack Knox) travel the country helping people learn to work stock and better communicate with their dogs. Kathy joins Ben and Joe to share her journey. Topics discussed include being confident in your identity, learning to focus on a job and the importance of awareness.
NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, Nick Dowers, joins the podcast to discuss Cowboy Week. Cowboy Week is an event Nick puts on at his ranch every January to bring together like minded friends to start colts, work horses and exchange ideas. This year, Nick is joined by former guests Joe Wolter and Bryan Neubert. Cowboy Week is being recorded and being made available for purchase online at www.nickdowers.com. Use promo code “ONTHEMOVE” to save 10% off your purchase of Cowboy Week.
Nicole Cunningham is an equine vet from Camden, SC. After attending vet school in the UK, Nicole returned to the United States and worked for a prominent equine practice in Camden for two decades. Nicole now works as an independent veterinary specialist, utilizing both traditional and non-traditional medicine to help horses. Nicole joins Ben and Joe to share her journey and give her take on the state of equine veterinary medicine in the United States.
Ben and Joe record a solo episode to wrap up 2023. Topics discussed include a 2023 NFR recap, the importance of love in your craft, and reflection on the podcast in 2023. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year, and we are excited to see where we go in 2024 as we stay On The Move!
Wes Ferrazzi is a professional colt starter from Blanchard, Oklahoma. Born in Minnesota, Wes always dreamed of being a cowboy and has worked all over the west in pursuit of that dream. Today, Wes runs his own colt starting business and starts all the colts for professional NRCHA trainer Kyle Noyce. Wes joins Ben and Joe to discuss his journey to where he is today, his pursuit of horsemanship, and his thoughts on riding horses for the public.
Jayde Slade is a horse trainer, clinician and team roper from Arkansas. Jayde joins Ben and Joe to discuss the sport of team roping and share his journey of becoming a trainer in the performance horse space. Topics discussed include the value of a foundation on a performance horse, the current state of the sport of team roping, and the importance of passion in the pursuit of your dreams.
Jack Knox is a world renowned trainer of stock dogs. Originally from Scotland, Jack came to the Inited states in the 1970s at the age of 31. Today, he and his wife, Kathy, travel the country putting on stock dog clinics. Jack joins Ben and Joe to discuss his remarkable journey that started with a young boy who always wanted to be a sheperd. Topics discussed include the importance of making mistakes, what motivates a winner and what is required to be happy.
Derek Chappelear is a ranch hand for the K Barr C in north central Oklahoma. Derek is a talented horseman, stockman and roper. He joins Ben and Joe to share his story of becoming an Oklahoma cowboy from an Illinois farm kid. Including his time in the Navy where he served as an aircraft mechanic. Topics discussed include the importance of stockmanship, the journey of finding one's purpose and the importance of physical fitness.
Ben and Joe sit down to reflect on their failed attempts to connect this weeks guest to the recording studio. The duo have a deep dive conversation on neutering cats and the dangers of institutional knowledge. Topics discussed also include catching horses in Mongolia and the dangers of young men in rural areas.
Jeremy Morris is an entrepreneur, horseman and cowboy from Idaho. He is the host of The Wild Courage Podcast, a podcast focussed on sharing stories of redemption and the importance of mental health. Jeremy joins Ben and Joe to share his remarkable story. Topics discussed include self reflection, the importance of momentum and mental health.
Skye Clark is a rancher, photographer and entrepreneur from western Wyoming. Topics discussed include running cattle on federal land, how to get into ranching, and the values of the western lifestyle.
Ricky Quinn is a well known horsemanship clinician from North Platte, Nebraska. In addition to a horseman, Ricky is also a father, husband, rancher and farrier. Ben and Joe sit down with Ricky to learn about his new endeavors with showing and shoeing horses. Topics discussed include how to choose your mentors, being deliberate in how you spend your time, and what it means to have your horse like you.
Nathan Hahn is a rancher from Harrodsburg, Kentucky. He and his wife run Unity Farms, a regenerative family farm that produces grass-finished beef. Nathan joins Ben and Joe to discuss the path that led him to where he is today, including studying to be an airplane mechanic and riding horses for the public. Topics covered include what it means to have a healthy sense of identity, being open to new ideas, and the drive it takes to achieve your goals. You can purchase quality grass-finished beef from Unity Farms using the link below: https://unityfarms.grazecart.com/?mibextid=Zxz2cZ
Gary Myers is a rancher, breeder and horseman from Ennis, Montana. Gary grew up in Montana with a ranching background and has been a long time friend of previous guest, Buck Brannaman. Today he works on the north slope of Alaska in the oil fields. He also runs his ranch in Montana where he breeds quarter horses and runs cattle. Gary joins Ben and Joe to discuss his breeding program, his history with Buck, and his growth in horsemanship. Topics covered include breeding and selecting for bridle horses, life in the oil fields and fly fishing.
Ben and Joe sit down to talk about their past couple weeks on the road and where they have been drawing inspiration from. Topics discussed include the joy of finding truth, the power of storytelling and the value of putting in the work.
Nick Hoffman is a professional fiddle player and television host from Nashville, Tennessee. Nick toured with country music legend, Kenny Chesney, for over a decade. Nick is also the host of his own hunting show, “Nick's Wild Ride”. Through all these achievements and travels, Nick has always been passionate about horses and continues pursues better horsemanship. Join Ben and Joe for an amazing conversation with someone who wasn't afraid to chase their dreams and do what it took to make them a reality.
Buck Brannaman is a world renowned horseman and clinician. Buck has been doing clinics all over the United States and Internationally for over 40 years and has started over 10,000 colts. Buck joins Ben and Joe to discuss his career and perspective on the horse industry today. Topics discussed include animal psychics, Ray Hunt, making a career in horses and what it means to truly dedicate yourself.
Kyler Beard is a ranch manager from Ellensburg, Washington. Kyler joins Ben and Joe to discuss his passions for cattle, horsemanship and the road that brought him to where he is today. When he met previous podcast guest, Joel Connor, Kyler was introduced to horsemanship. After riding for the public for some time, Kyler began ranching in western Washington. Today, Kyler manages the grazing for over 30,000 acres in the cascade mountains where he continues his horsemanship and stockmanship pursuits. Tune in for a conversation about cattle, horses and entrepreneurship.
Carlos Macías is a maker of chaps, chinks and armitas from northern California. In the year 2000 Carlos created one of the first online stores for cowboy gear and tack called The Lost Buckaroo. Now called The Buckaroo Gear, Carlos' store is well known throughout the California/Buckaroo/Horsemanship world as a provider of quality goods. Carlos is also a well known maker of leggings, particularly armitas, which he has helped to re-popularize in the industry. Carlos joins Ben and Joe to discuss the genesis of his business, his growth as a maker and what he feels has been his keys to success.
Lance and Sunshine run Lance and Sunshine Froelich Quarter Horses in North Dakota. In addition to their cattle operation they are AQHA legacy breeders. Froelich horses have made a reputation within the horsemanship community and beyond for their good minds and quality confirmation. The Froelich's join Ben and Joe to discuss how they've come to be respected breeders in the industry and their plans for the future of their operations. Topics discussed include selling horses, family ranching and raising foals.
John Stewart has spent 20+ years in marketing and fundraising. He has been an executive at organizations such as The Boy Scouts of America, Gaylord Entertainment and the Indy Racing League. Along with his impressive professional career, John is also an avid horseman. His horsemanship journey started when he met past guest Rocky Quinn and later, Buck Brannaman. John has been all over the world to explore different horse cultures and his passion for both the horse and the people who work with them is evident. Join Ben and Joe as they discuss a multitude of subjects including branding, education and culture.
Hunter Holloway is an American show jumper based out of Topeka, Kansas and Ocala, Florida. In 2016 Hunter won the Maclay Championships and the Washington International Equitation Championship. Hunter now travels the US to compete at the highest levels of show jumping. Most recently she finished 3rd place finish at the 2023 World Cup Finals. Join Ben and Joe as they talk with Hunter about how she develops world class horses and what it takes to be a competitor at that level.