In this episode of Horsemanship, Growth, and Gratitude, Miranda Allyn breaks down the difference between cost vs price when it comes to horse clinics — and why asking “is it worth the money?” might be the wrong question altogether.

Using real-life examples from riding clinics, auditing, and her own experience at a Phil Haugen Advanced Horsemanship Clinic, Miranda explores how investing in yourself, your confidence, and your horsemanship skills can change the trajectory of your riding, training, and even your horse career.

This is a great episode for any level rider. You’ll learn how mindset, sacrifice, and strategic investment play a major role in long-term success, and why confident riders aren’t “cocky” they simply understand the cost they’ve paid behind the scenes.

If you’ve ever debated attending a horse clinic, investing in training, or putting yourself first in your horsemanship journey, this episode will help you make clearer, more confident decisions, without guilt.

www.MirandaAllyn.net

Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. Horsemanship involves inherent risks, and every horse-and-human pair is unique. Always work within your skill level, put safety first, and consult a qualified trainer or veterinarian when needed. You are responsible for your own decisions and safety.

Clear communication in horsemanship isn’t about soft hands alone — it’s about clear pick up and release, and your reins play a much bigger role than most riders realize.

In this episode, Miranda Allyn explains how the type, weight, and length of your reins can directly affect feel, softness, control, and most importantly, rider confidence.

From fumbling hands to missed releases, she shares why better-fitting, heavier reins often lead to clearer communication and a more willing horse.

If you want to improve your feel, consistency, and overall horsemanship, this episode will help you rethink one of the most overlooked pieces of tack.

www.MirandaAllyn.net

Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. Horsemanship involves inherent risks, and every horse-and-human pair is unique. Always work within your skill level, put safety first, and consult a qualified trainer or veterinarian when needed. You are responsible for your own decisions and safety.

In this episode of Horsemanship, Growth, and Gratitude, Miranda Allyn explores the horse’s five main body parts and takes a closer look at why the ribcage is one of the most overlooked, yet most influential, aspect in training.

She explains how stiffness in the ribcage affects balance, collection, and steering, and how working to soften it can help your horse move more freely, stay balanced, and remain mentally engaged.

Miranda takes a deep dive into lateral flexion, showing why this simple but powerful exercise is key to releasing tension in the ribcage, improving weight distribution, and creating a horse that is more connected, responsive, and comfortable both on the ground and under saddle.

Whether you’re working on groundwork, improving under-saddle movement, or building a stronger partnership, understanding the ribcage and how to influence it is a game-changer for your horsemanship.

www.MirandaAllyn.net

Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. Horsemanship involves inherent risks, and every horse-and-human pair is unique. Always work within your skill level, put safety first, and consult a qualified trainer or veterinarian when needed. You are responsible for your own decisions and safety.

What happens when the horse dream you worked so hard for no longer fits the season of life you’re in?

In this episode of Horsemanship, Growth, and Gratitude, Miranda Allyn shares a deeply personal conversation about grief, growth, and recalculating your horse dreams without shame. This episode goes beyond horsemanship techniques and into the personal development side of riding, identity, and purpose.

Miranda talks about the quiet grief that comes from dreams that didn’t turn out the way you expected, how fear of being “behind” can keep riders stuck, and why evolving goals don’t mean you failed — they mean you’ve grown. She explores the neuroscience of motivation and dopamine, how the pursuit of goals shapes who we become, and why the journey matters more than the finish line.

This episode is for horse owners, riders, and equestrians who feel called to something more but are navigating fear, self-doubt, changing priorities, or life seasons that require a new approach. You’ll hear reflections on confidence, leadership, intuition, nervous system awareness, and how personal development directly impacts your horsemanship and connection with your horse.

If you’re grieving an old version of your horse dream, questioning your path, or learning to give yourself permission to evolve, this episode will remind you that you’re not late — you’re becoming.

Because it’s never too late to be what you might have been.

Robert Sapolsky (Stanford University) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axrywDP9Ii0

Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. Horsemanship involves inherent risks, and every horse-and-human pair is unique. Always work within your skill level, put safety first, and consult a qualified trainer or veterinarian when needed. You are responsible for your own decisions and safety.

In this episode, Miranda breaks down a truth most riders never hear: doing well with your horse isn’t always about willpower or trying harder.

Your horse isn’t giving you a hard time — he’s having a hard time. And sometimes, so are you. Miranda shares how shifting from force and frustration to curiosity and skill-building can change everything about your confidence and your connection.

You’ll hear why “trying harder” often keeps both you and your horse stuck, what actually helps when things go sideways, and how developing the right skills — not pushing through — leads to better rides, better communication, and a better experience for both of you.

If you’re feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, or like you “should be farther along,” this episode will help you breathe, reset, and see a new path forward.

www.MirandaAllyn.net

Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. Horsemanship involves inherent risks, and every horse-and-human pair is unique. Always work within your skill level, put safety first, and consult a qualified trainer or veterinarian when needed. You are responsible for your own decisions and safety.

There’s one question everyone in any field wants the answer to—the golden question that could change everything.

In this episode, Miranda dives into that question for horsemanship, sharing real-life stories that shaped her riding—from eye-opening clinics to lessons that still make her laugh and cringe.

She touches on common riding struggles like timing, soft hands, and clear communication, helping you rethink how you interact with your horse and improve your riding skills.

If you’ve ever wondered how small shifts in timing, clarity, and presence can transform your ride, this episode is full of surprises and lessons worth hearing.

www.MirandaAllyn.net

Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. Horsemanship involves inherent risks, and every horse-and-human pair is unique. Always work within your skill level, put safety first, and consult a qualified trainer or veterinarian when needed. You are responsible for your own decisions and safety.

Winter riding doesn’t have to mean freezing, bulky layers, or stiff rides. In this episode, Miranda breaks down how to properly layer for winter riding — focusing on materials, function, and why each layer matters.

This episode isn’t about what brands to buy, but how to dress smarter so you stay warm, dry, and comfortable without sacrificing feel, balance, or safety in the saddle.

Whether you ride in freezing temps, wind, or unpredictable winter weather, this episode will help you understand how to layer with intention and confidence.

www.MirandaAllyn.net

Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. Horsemanship involves inherent risks, and every horse-and-human pair is unique. Always work within your skill level, put safety first, and consult a qualified trainer or veterinarian when needed. You are responsible for your own decisions and safety.

Winter doesn’t have to derail your horsemanship.

In this episode, we talk about simple, effective ways to keep your horse mentally fit even when riding isn’t an option.

From groundwork that builds softness and connection, to understanding how the thinking side of your horse’s brain works, you’ll learn how just a few intentional minutes can make a big difference.

I share my own experiences from long Michigan and Montana winters — including the evenings spent doing groundwork in the headlights of my Chevy Malibu — and how those cold months shaped some of the best foundational work I’ve ever had with my horses.

If you’re feeling discouraged by the weather, limited time, or lack of an indoor, this episode will help you find confidence, motivation, and a fresh perspective on winter horsemanship.

www.MirandaAllyn.net

Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. Horsemanship involves inherent risks, and every horse-and-human pair is unique. Always work within your skill level, put safety first, and consult a qualified trainer or veterinarian when needed. You are responsible for your own decisions and safety.