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Category: Blog

NRHA Futurity News

Posted on by Maggie Downs

Max Morin at the NRHA Futurity

Nothing makes us prouder than seeing our graduates succeed!  Max Morin completed both the Certification and Accreditation programs in addition to becoming the first Master Trainer representing the Lyons Legacy philosophy and training methods. He has focused his career on reining and found his calling!  Max is currently competing in the NRHA Futurity in OKC with MAGNUM WIMPYS DREAM aka Rocco.  Read more in the article as seen on the NRHA website:

The Stage is Set for Record-Breaking NRHA Futurity Finals!

Reiners brought the heat in their last chance to make it to the National Reining Horse Association Futurity finals. More entries and higher payouts brought the best out of 3-year-old reiners and their riders.

More than $2.9 million will be paid out, breaking the 2022 record for riders in Non Pro and Open divisions in the Jim Norick Coliseum. 

Once again, the Level 4 Open exhibitors will be competing for an impressive $350,000 first-place prize during the MS Diamonds TX L4 Open Futurity Finals. The reserve champion will win a guaranteed $150,000, and third place will bank $100,000.

The CINCH Non Pro Level 4 is also lucrative, with the Champion leaving the Sooner State with $75,000, the Reserve winner earning $45,000, and third taking a cool $35,000.

Andrea Fappani Leads Field of Open Finalists on Inferno Thirty Five

A competitive field of 3-year-old horses and their riders tested their skills Nov. 29 in the Jim Norick Coliseum for the Level 4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All, hoping to put together a second solid run that would earn them a trip to the MS Diamonds TX Level 4 Open Finals on Dec. 2. All day, scores kept going up and up, as riders added the semifinal scores to their first-round scores for composites that indicate consistency as well as fiery talent.

The NRHA’s only Eight Million Dollar Rider, Andrea Fappani, rode Stephen Archer’s Inferno Thirty Five to the highest composite score of the Level 4 Open Semi-Finals, presented by Not Ruf At All, with a 443.5.

Inferno Thirty Five is a 2020 stallion sired by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six and out of Madeof Pure Spangled by Star Spangled Whiz. Mary A. Jansma nominated the horse bred by Cardinal Hill Training Center. The horse already has $100,000 in lifetime earnings thanks to a win at The Invitational at the 100X Reining Classic.

Luca Fappani took the top spot in Levels 2 and 3 on Playing With Da Boys, a 2020 mare sired by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of the Gunner mare My Berry Best Gun. Neiberger-Camp Partnership owns Playing With Da Boys, who already has earnings of more than $3,800 through the 100X Reining Classic. The composite score was 442, and Fappani will advance in Level 4 also.

In Level 1, Maxime Morin set the pace on his own horse Magnum Wimpys Dream, with a 437 composite. The 2020 stallion is sired by NRHA Nine Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream and out of Wimpys Little Lassie by Wimpys Little Step. He was bred and nominated by Henry Knox. The horse has $4,776 in earnings through the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity and the Warm Up 3 Futurity sponsored by Snipers Smoking Gun.

NRHA Seven Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida received the top composite score of 442.5  in Prime Time on Spooks Gotta Homerun, a 2020 stallion sired by Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of A Ruf Mistress by Lil Ruf Peppy. The horse was nominated by Tracy Cole and bred by Larry Weihing. He has lifetime earnings of more than $15,000 through the North American Reining Stakes Futurity and the High Roller Reining Classic Futurity.

Bubbles for Advancing to the Open Futurity Finals:

MS Diamonds TX Level 4 – 437

Level 3 – 433

Level 2 – 428

Level 1 – 419

Prime Time – 434.5 (with handicap)

Riders Advance from CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation

Although the NRHA CINCH Non Pro Futurity preliminary round concluded Monday, Nov. 27, riders who barely missed qualifying for the finals still had a chance to advance.

That’s because the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation round gives entries that last chance needed to secure a spot in the Finals. In the consolation, the top five from each of the four Levels move on to Friday’s competition.

Topping the Level 4 were NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Mandy McCutcheon and Stephanie Porath, tying with an impressive 218.5. McCutcheon rode Arylosa, a mare she owns with NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider and Owner Tom McCutcheon, nominated by Euro-Vets Inc., by Arlosa Whiz and out of Spooky Lil Chex, while Porath was aboard Gunna Prosper, a stallion she owns and nominated with her husband, Jackson Porath. The stallion is by NRHA Ten Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Whizen Starlight. 

In the Level 3, it was Robert Peterson and TR Ice On Fire who claimed the lead with a 214. TR Ice On Fire is a gelding owned by Goose Creek Ranch LLC and nominated by Tamarack Ranch, by NRHA Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize and out of Wallawhizagun.

The Level 2 lead was secured by Kristen Avila, riding A Spook In Hollywood, a horse she owns and nominated herself. The stallion is by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown and out of Lucky Lil Spook, for a score of 211.

Taking the Level 1 was Delacy Hubbard, aboard HF Freeze Brand, for a 214. HF Freeze Brand is by NRHA Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize and out of HF Mobscar, nominated by Heritage Farms. 

Bubbles to Advance out of CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation:

Level 4 – 215

Level 3 – 211

Level 2 – 209

Level 1 – 209

Draw positions for the finals will be decided during the Platinum Performance Draw Party at 8 a.m. Thursday in the Sale Arena.

Complete results, draws, schedules, and more can be found at NRHAFuturity.com.

Horse Trainer Highlight

Posted on by Maggie Downs

Breakthrough Horsemanship - Alisha Anderson

Alisha Anderson has two passions. Teaching – and horses!

Currently she’s on the road assisting with Josh Lyons clinics and traveling around the country. She has combined those passions into the career she hopes to follow for years to come.

Working with Josh happened ‘by the Grace of God’ and she’s thankful for the opportunity, she says. She graduated from the Josh Lyons Accreditation Program in 2023 and has plans to also complete the John & Josh Lyons Certification Program in April 2024.

While the Josh Lyons training helped Alisha hone her skills, she bought her first horse years before while serving in the Air Force and stationed in North Dakota. Her love of horses started as a youngster when she lived on a farm for a time. She took riding lessons even after her family moved off the farm and into an apartment. She said she worked on a dairy farm as a teenager and saved her money to help pay for the lessons.

Her goal has been a career centered around horses. She admits she’s still figuring it out. Her business, Breakthrough Horsemanship, offers travel lessons as well as horse training.

“I love teaching and I have a passion for that. I missed working with students,” she said about her time worked as an instructor in the Air Force. “I like what I’m doing now because I participate in clinics and private lessons – and I like the travel. From here it’s a matter of figuring out when and where.”

She credits her own love of learning and working with others to getting her where she is today.

“I attended clinics and did all I could to learn and network,” she said. “I enjoy teaching – and horses – and I enjoy putting the two together.”

Find out more about Josh Lyons clinics and their upcoming dates and locations at joshlyons.com

Spanish Cowhorse & Performance Horses - Angel Ramirez

Angel Ramirez is just 17 years old, but she’s already completed the Josh Lyons Accreditation Program, becoming the second generation in her family to do so.

And she knows what she wants for her future – continuing to operate the family ranch with the help of her sisters.

In the meantime, she is continuing her training and she loves competing.

“Josh Lyons has been a family friend for 20 years and my mom trained with him back in 2002,” she said. “It’s an awesome community to be around so it was a no brainer to be trained by him.”

Her family’s ranch is home to 400 cattle and it’s located in Montana, about 30 miles outside of Billings.

In addition to working on the ranch she competes in cow horse competitions like reining and cutting. Because she is under age 18 she competes in youth classes. She started out in rodeos, competing in barrels and pole bending. She competes in non-pro classes but would like to someday compete in pro circuits, too.

“My favorite event is the open roping,” she said. “I’ve been doing that since I was 13.”

“I just love competing and the horsemanship of it,” she added. “It’s a great community and there are some good jackpots, rider earnings and horse earnings.”

Her goal is to do both ranching and competing. But for now she’s home-schooled. Her favorite subject is history and she says she’s good at math. It’s not all about books, though. Depending on the day, she might spend the day fixing fencing or helping at neighboring ranches. She likes the routine because it keeps her on her toes.

Right now she’s working on training her youngest horse. She has several quarter horses: Abilene, Pecos, Buck and Star to name a few. She prefers Quarter Horses because of their grit, athleticism, and willingness to work.

“They’re solid,” she said.

She’s continuing her work with Josh Lyons, too, including a five-day clinic this month.

Lyons Legacy Latest – October 2023 Newsletter

Posted on by Maggie Downs

What a busy month! Our wonderful training horse, No Better Cat aka Boon, has spent time with the Scottsdale Equine Reproduction Center team receiving training on the phantom in preparation for his upcoming breeding season.  He took to it like a fish to water and his swimmers tested phenomenally for both cooled and frozen shipments. If you are interested in breeding your mare to Boon or want more information, click the link below.

While Boon was learning the ropes of standing at stud, Josh travelled to Reflections Equestrian Center in Missouri for a 5-Day Trainers Clinic as well as a 3-Day Riding Clinic. We were blown away by our youngest rider – just 9 years old! These up and coming horse enthusiasts are just as hard working and talented as the adult riders.  Following the Missouri clinics, Josh then headed to North Carolina to hold a 3-Day Riding clinic at Michael Lyons Horsemanship. Not only did Josh get to enjoy working on maneuvers and finishing work with the group, but also got to spend time with family.  Thank you to both of these facilities for hosting us!

Josh is now enroute to North Dakota for another set of clinics at the brand new and heated Twin Buttes Fairgrounds arena. We are so appreciative to the tribe for allowing us use of their beautiful facility and look forward to some great events!

Upcoming Clinics
No Better Cat Info
Riding Clinic horse training Horse Training Events

Our next adventure takes us to Naples, FL! This clinic has space for two more riders and auditors are welcome for just $25/day. Join us for a fun and informative event! Click the picture for more information.

Riding Clinic horse training Horse Training Events

Arizona clinics ready to register riders! Click the picture for info or to register, auditors can sign up by clicking here.

Horse Training Clinic Horse Training Events
Horse Training Events
Horse Training Events

Ready to pursue a career with horses?  Join us in 2024 to earn your certification!  We are excited to announce our Arizona programs will be held at a private facility in San Tan Valley, AZ.  We are still taking applications for these upcoming classes:

Remember, only our Colorado campus classes are eligible to receive Veterans Education Benefits. Classes are limited to just 10 students – don’t delay, enroll today!

Apply Now

Protecting your Veterans Benefits from Scams

Posted on by Maggie Downs

Spotting Education Scams - Protect your Veterans Benefits!

Furthering your education or starting a new career can be daunting.  For those who have served in our military, it’s coupled with transitioning back to civilian life as well. Veterans are often the target of deceptive recruiting practices so we would like to share some information about protecting your benefits from scams.

Advertisements requiring you to give personal information or pay a fee for employment, especially those targeting specific demographics can be misleading or even fake. 
You can find free, official information about federal jobs at usajobs.gov, FedsHiresVets.gov, and CareerOneStop.org.

Be wary of educational institutions that promise immediate student loan forgiveness or debt cancellation to entice Veterans to enroll in classes. Be sure to research Loan Forgiveness to understand how and if you may qualify.

A  “guarantee”  to Veterans for a scholarship in exchange for a redemption/processing fee is often a red flag along with promised incentives such as free laptops, gift cards, or other “freebies” for enrolling in courses.

Beware of high-pressure sales pitches where you feel pressured to pay a fee immediately or risk losing the so-called “opportunity”  for a scholarship or financial aid.

horse training school

At Lyons Legacy, we are committed to providing not only a top notch educational experience but the resources our Veteran students need to protect themselves and their benefites.  For additional resources about utilizing your benefits, check out our Military Friendly page. You can also find resources like the GI Bill comparison tool and other information on our Isakson & Roe Disclosures page.

Lyons Legacy Latest – September 2023 Newsletter

Posted on by Maggie Downs

September is flying by and fall is upon us. Congratulations to our recent Accreditation Program graduates – Ellie Shirey, Ridge Romine, Mira Carr, Alisha Anderson, and Angel Ramirez!  We are very proud to have you join our family of Lyons Legacy Trainers and wish you all success in your new careers. If you’d like to find these graduates or any of our trainers, check out our Trainers Directory.

Josh, Jana, and family have been enjoying some time at home in Arizona after a very busy summer schedule.  We have met some wonderful people in our travels and are preparing for the next road trip to see old friends at Reflections Equestrian Center. This beautiful facility has hosted us many times, they always make us feel right at home. Team Lyons is very excited to be returning for both a 5-Day Trainers Clinic and 3-Day Riding Clinic! We still have room for more riders – join us for an intensive learning experience.  Auditors are always welcome to get in on the fun as well.

We have added a button for All Events to our homepage to help interested riders find upcoming events.  Not only are Josh’s clinics and programs listed, but you will find John Lyons events listed there as well.

ALL EVENTS

For those of you enrolled in our Lyons Legacy Online Training Program – our next Zoom meeting is scheduled for September 27, 2023 at 5:00 PM MST. Don’t miss out on a great Q&A session with Josh. 

We are blown away by how quickly our 2024 calendar filled with events! If you want to host a Josh Lyons clinic in 2025, get your requests in ASAP! Click the picture for more info or to fill out the host application.

Horse Training Events
Horse Training Events

Ready to pursue a career with horses?  Join us in 2024 to earn your certification!  We are excited to announce our Arizona programs will be held at a private facility in San Tan Valley, AZ.  We are still taking applications for these upcoming classes:

Remember, only our Colorado campus classes are eligible to receive Veterans Education Benefits. Classes are limited to just 10 students – don’t delay, enroll today!

APPLY NOW

No Better Cat – AKA Boon

Posted on by Maggie Downs
no better cat

It’s not every day a horse has its own social media account – but No Better Cat (aka Boon) sure does.

The 3-year-old, red roan colt who is a son of the great Bet Hesa Cat  and raised by Purina animal nutrition has quite a following, too. Over 895 Facebook followers to be exact!

Boon has had a busy summer crisscrossing the country with trainer Josh Lyons putting on clinics and performing in horse shows.

“At Josh’s clinics he gets ridden sometimes all day yet he never skips a beat,” owner Elsabe Hausauer explains on the horse’s Facebook page. “I love that riders of all ages are riding him since he is a demo horse and he will ride according to their level, whether they are 5 years old or 80.”

Recently Boon participated with Josh Lyons in the horse’s very first reining show. The duo followed up a clinic in New Hampshire with a horse show in Pennsylvania, finishing with two second place finishes and one fourth place.

 

“I am missing this little dude – he is one tough little horse,” Hausauer said in a post early this summer. “He is currently travelling all over the US learning and growing … Love that he can handle the pressure mentally and physically very well! Thank you Lyons family!”

Hausauer is a North Dakota AQHA Professional Horsewoman whose lifelong passion for horses has led to her family owning a ranch and offering training services, horsemanship clinics and private lessons.

She says Boon’s easy going disposition makes him one of the easiest horses she’s ever worked with. She also plans on standing him to the public for breeding purposes in 2024 and she’s pretty excited about it, writing, “Can’t wait to see his foals and their trainability, athleticism and disposition!” Her goal was to own a stallion that is not only well bred but who is also tough physically and mentally under pressure. 

“He is beautiful and rides so nice … Josh is doing an incredible job with him, I feel truly blessed! Not only for Boon to get trained but for me to also keep growing in my horsemanship journey and learning so much from Josh along the way,” Hausauer said.

“I have truly found a friendship with Josh, Jana and their sons that will last a lifetime.”

Information about No Better Cat (Boon) , go to No Better Cat and find out more about Hausauer at www.themuddybootranch.com

For breeding contract information, check out Boon’s page on our website!

Photography: Sheila King and Elaina Eppinger Photography
Flyer: Allyson Johannessen 

Lyons Legacy Latest – August 2023 Newsletter

Posted on by Maggie Downs

The month of August has proven to be a nice change of pace for the Lyons Legacy team after spending June and July on the road.  The Josh Lyons Accreditation class started their program on August 7th at the lovely Mesa County Fairgrounds in Grand Junction, Colorado.  They will spend 4 weeks working personally with Josh, ultimately joining the family of Lyons Legacy Trainers!  Students hail from Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Missouri, Montana, and Ohio.  They are a fantastic group and we are looking forward to resuming class on Monday, September 4th.

We’d like to give a special shout out to all our host facilities for 2023:

Upcoming 3-Day clinics: Click Here

Upcoming 3-Day clinics: Click Here

Train for success – with THE BEST!

Josh and Johnny are looking to take on a few new training horses as soon as September.  One space open with Josh, two open with Johnny.  Horses receive approximately 4 hours of training per day and tons of exposure! Call Kristen at 615-379-1056 for more information.

 

 

 

 

Still accepting riders and auditors for the October clinics in Festus, MO! Click the picture to register, auditors can sign up by clicking here.

 

 

Ready to pursue a career with horses?  Join us in 2024 to earn your certification!  We are excited to announce our Arizona programs will be held at a private facility in San Tan Valley, AZ.  We are still taking applications for these upcoming classes:

Remember, only our Colorado campus classes are eligible to receive Veterans Education Benefits. Classes are limited to just 10 students – don’t delay, enroll today!

APPLY NOW

 

Fall Clinics with John Lyons

Posted on by Maggie Downs

If riding with John Lyons is on your bucket list – here is your chance!  John will be conducting several clinics this fall and they are limited to just 9 riders.  As always, auditors can also attend and learn from the sidelines.  Cost for riders is $900, cost for auditors is $45 per day.  Shoulder, hip and head control made easy – so you enjoy riding and are safer as well.  Clinics run from 9am until 5pm and have an hour and a half lunch break.  Day one of the clinics always starts with a rider meeting on foot before getting horses out to ride. These events will be shared on the Josh Lyons/Lyons Legacy Facebook page and are as follows:

September 14 – 17, 2023 – Woodloch Stable, Hugo MN
Call Bill and Ingvill Ramberg to reserve riding spot at 651-796-8179  

September 28 – October 1, 2023 – Hardy Farms, Howell MI
Jolene Deyoung 810-569-4640  info@hardysfarm.com 

October 5 – 8, 2023 – Copper Rise Ranch, Springport IN
Call Mike & Melinda Garrish 765-524-1383 to reserve a riding spot. melindagerrish@gmail.com 

October 12 -15, 2023 – Cook Forest Camp Grounds, Clarion PA
To reserve riding spots call John Lyons at 970-366-2856
To reserve camping and stalls call Ray and Terrie Smith 814-226-5985  

October 19 – 22, 2023 – Birchtown Stables, Forest City, PA
Michelle Eccles host and John & Josh Lyons certified Trainer.  570-267-5918. Email meccles1027@hotmail.com. CLINIC IS FULL. Observers welcome $45 per day – contact the host for more information.  

November 2 – 5, 2023 – Long Island, NY
Sonny Garguilo Host, & Friend 516-790-8367
CLINIC IS FULL. Observers welcome. $45 per day – contact the host for more information.  

November 9 – 12, 2023 – Long Island, NY
Sonny Garguilo Host, & Friend 516-790-8367
CLINIC IS FULL. Observers welcome. $45 per day – contact the host for more information.

November 16 – 19, 2023 – Rose Hill Ranch, Naples, NY
Jack Minteer Host 585-506-7740. Email. Rosehillranch1@gmail.com 

Mustangs and Show Horses with Alyssa Dietrich

Posted on by Maggie Downs

Whether it’s training a wild mustang from California or teaching new skills to a thoroughbred fresh off a Maryland racetrack, Alyssa Dietrich has turned her childhood love of horses into a very grownup career. At 27, she has also worked as a full-time EMT, but training horses and teaching others to show and ride is her true calling. Thanks to the John & Josh Lyons certification program, she’s able to do that.

“The certification program taught technique, but also how to set up a business,” Alyssa said. “Learning to deal with people and a business is 100 times more complicated than training the horses! I was looking for a good solid program that also offered me a good foundation for a business. There are plenty of training programs but none of the others I found touched on the business aspect.”

Alyssa rents a facility in New Freedom, Pa., near the Maryland border. “I ride and compete mainly hunter/jumpers which was very different from my classmates who all rode western, but I admired the sensitivity and responsiveness of Josh’s reining horses; I wanted that for my own horses and the horses I train,” she said.

She’s used the techniques learned at the Josh Lyons clinic to “gentle” wild Mustangs from California. The U.S. government pays to capture and move the mustangs to trainers like Alyssa who train them for the use of reins and saddles. She actually took a mustang to the Josh Lyons clinic, a mustang that was ‘fresh off the range.’

Alyssa also works with horses that used to race but are moving into their next phase. Many move to owners interested in a show horse, mainly in the English or Hunter Jumper realm. To do that takes some work. “These horses are used to crowd noise and they are trained to go, go, go! They need to be retrained to relax, to learn they don’t have to be running, running, running. They need to learn that it’s ok to stop, to walk – oh, and don’t bite me!”

Alyssa said she grew up in Maryland where English and Hunter Jumpers dominate and she continues to train in those areas. She stresses the foundations of all disciplines are the same – even western and ranch riding. They just branch off into different technical areas.
“I’ve loved horses since before I could walk,” she said. “With the Lyons program, I was looking for a gentler approach and a more natural horsemanship than I grew up with.”

 

Alyssa hopes to continue her work with horses, her training and show work along with hosting clinics.  You can find more information on Facebook about Face Up Training & Colt Starting.

Colorado 5-Day Clinics Now VA Approved

Posted on by jlyons

Our hard work has paid off for all you Veterans!  Now, not only can you use your Veterans Education Benefits for our Colorado certificate programs – John & Josh Lyons Certification Program and Josh Lyons Accreditation Program – you can also use them for a 5-Day Trainers Clinic held in Colorado.  To use your benefits for a clinic you must provide:

  • DD214
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Social Security Number

Once you have submitted these documents, we will check your benefits before proceeding with your clinic registration.  Documents can be sent to info@lyonslegacy.com or texted to 304-584-3128.  Go to our Veterans Resource page for information on requesting these documents.

There are currently two clinics scheduled in Grand Junction, CO at the Mesa County Fairgrounds – take advantage of this opportunity today!

Clinics, Clinics, Everywhere!

Posted on by jlyons

If you’ve been wanting to join a Josh Lyons clinic, 2023 is your year!  The Lyons Legacy team will be travelling all over the US conducting 3 and 5 Day clinics throughout the year.  Many of these clinics are already full so don’t miss out, hold your place today!  The following clinics still have space available for riders:

Grand Junction, CO – May 15-19, 2023

Ionia, MI – June 27-29, 2023

Furlong, PA – July 14-16, 2023

Jonesboro, ME – July 29-31, 2023

Lake Bay, WA – August 21-23, 2023

Palmer, AK – August 25-27, 2023

Festus, MO – October 16-20, 2023

Festus, MO – October 21-23, 2023

When you choose a Josh Lyons Clinic, you choose excellence.  The Lyons Legacy methodology has been tried and tested for over 40 years!  Here is what some of our participants have to say about riding with Josh:

“This clinic was exactly what I needed to sharpen my skills and become more confident in myself again. Josh helped me to leave some old habits behind and shared a lot of new techniques and exercises to help me get to the next level. Josh still blows me away with his ability to explain what he is teaching. He may share one concept in many different ways to ensure each student understands. Group discussions are comfortable and everyone gets involved. Josh has a way with people and horses that far exceeds any other clinician out there. He is constantly evolving and improving his methods but he was awesome when I went through his cert program and today he is even better!” – Sheila

“Josh is a wonderful teacher and works well with everyone. I audited this clinic and was able to learn some from just watching. But my favorite part, was watching my son increase his confidence in himself and his abilities with his horse; it was truly heartwarming.” – Julie

“Josh is able to tailor every clinic to the people and horses in it.  Both of us have learned, continue to grow, and have completed each clinic with more “tools” in our training-toolbox than when we started.  We have been very successful in using these tools and getting real and positive results.  I was very surprised to have learned as much as I did as an auditor, something I had never been interested in doing before.” – Christine

“I had the privilege of auditing the three day riders clinic at oyster River equestrian center in Warren, Maine. I learned so much just by watching the riders and their exercises. Josh was happy to answer any questions and broke down every exercise to base level to build confidence in both rider and horse. Coming from an English discipline, I was curious walking into the clinic what I would learn. His humble teachings are not based on the perfect tack, perfect horse, or rider but based on true foundation that can be applied on a back yard horse or showing at the top level.” – Seanna

The Whoa Podcast Interviews Josh

Posted on by jlyons

The Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship is hosted by John and Ranae Harrer. They began in 2011 with the goal of sharing their experiences about their horses and horsemanship. Neither had any experience with podcasting but were looking for a fun project to work on together when it was too cold or wet to ride.  Over the course of their first year the saw downloads from over 40 different countries!

In John’s words, “anyone who has spent time around horses knows what joy, comfort, and companionship they can bring.  But you also know some of the challenges that go along with horse ownership, too.  Through our little podcast we hope to establish a kind of support group to learn about and face those challenges.”

Their most recent episode features Josh! John and Josh talk about the Lyons Legacy methodology and how Josh developed his own program.  Take a minute to listen to this fun, educational conversation about horses and training.

The Lyons Legacy team would like to thank The Whoa Podcast for featuring Josh and our Lyons Legacy Programs!

Links for The Whoa Podcast:
Website
YouTube
Email

Artwork For The Whoa Podcast Provided By Jana Goode

Listen Now

 

New Campus in Arizona!

Posted on by jlyons

The Lyons Legacy program is ever expanding to meet the needs of our clientele.  We would like to take a minute to share some exciting news!  Our team has been working behind the scenes to offer certificate programs in the state of Arizona.  It is with great excitement that we share our approval by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.

The Board licenses and regulates 217 private postsecondary educational institutions operating vocational and degree programs. Each new license application contains 23 items that must be reviewed and approved by Staff and then the full State Board. This includes CPA prepared financial statements, certificates of insurance, surety bonds, course descriptions and faculty resumes to name a few.  On average, it takes between 180 to 240 days to process a new application.

This monumental task could not have been completed without the hard work of some key Lyons Legacy team members! Jana Lyons, Owner/SCO Director, deserves the “Lyons” share of credit as she was responsible for submitting documentation, presenting our program information to the Board, facilitating an on-site visit, and much more.  Michele Lenard, Program Consultant, was essential in creating the documents required for submission and meeting the requirements for Board approval.  Kristen Bosgraf, Office Manager, also provided resource support to the team as they prepared for submission and presentation of our program materials.

What does this mean for our students?  A new campus location for students to pursue a professional career training horses!  In 2023, the Arizona campus will offer the L2-Intermediate Professional Horseman Program January 9 – February 17.  This program, also known as the Josh Lyons Accreditation Program in Colorado, is designed for trainers and riders who are ready to take their training to the next level.  This Program will equip you with the foundation and skills to become a professional rider and trainer. It is structured to specifically target and refine the training techniques needed to go to the show pen or train higher level performance-based riders and clients.

Our students come from a diverse range of riding disciplines, including but not limited to reining, dressage, cutting, jumping, barrel racing, ranch horse versatility, ranch sorting, mounted shooting and/or extreme trail riding. The L2-Intermediate Professional Horseman Program is designed as a four-week hands on course, working personally with Josh, to obtain the skills necessary to reach your desired goals.  Classes have a maximum of 10 students, so each student gets a unique, personal experience throughout the program.

The next step for our Arizona Campus is approval to accept Veterans Benefits.  Jana, Michele, and Kristen are currently working through that process.  At this time, we are accepting applications for the upcoming L2 program for all self-pay students.  If you are ready to join the Lyons Legacy Team – contact us today!

Arizona Campus Information

Thanksgiving Thoughts from Lyons Legacy

Posted on by jlyons

What are we thankful for this year?

FAMILY

“In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.” –  Alex Haley

The first and most important thank you goes out to each member of the Lyons family.  It is not easy to find a work/life balance – especially when you spend lots of time on the road!  Each family member brings something different to the table – love, encouragement, faith, humor, work ethic, passion – all are necessary ingredients for success.

FRIENDS

“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.” – William Butler Yeats

A special thank you to all of our loyal supporters!

  • Clinic Hosts, Riders, and Auditors
  • Accreditation & Certification students
  • Lyons Online Training members
  • Lyons Legacy Store patrons

OUR TEAM

“There is no such thing as a self-made man. You will reach your goals only with the help of others.” – George Shinn

It truly takes a village to bring Lyons Legacy to our followers!  Our valuable team members make it all happen.  Thank you to our personnel, venues, volunteers, graduates, and vendors!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM LYONS LEGACY!

Intensive Horse Training Workshops in Scottsdale, AZ!

Posted on by Maggie Downs

Attending a workshop with Josh Lyons is an incredible way to improve your horsemanship and your relationship with your horse.  Workshops are designed to meet the needs of each individual rider – no student is overlooked or gets lost in a “production line”. Our small class size allows everyone to find SUCCESS!!!

During the course of  3-Day Workshops you can expect that both horse and rider will learn foundation exercises, lessons, and principals covered in the conditioned response program offered at Lyons Legacy. Riders will first and foremost learn to effectively control their horse.  No matter if you have been horseback for years or rode a horse years ago, all riders have the same common goal: to improve the level of control they have in regards to the horse they are riding.  Lyons Legacy is here to help you reach that goal and take your horsemanship to the next level.

The cost of our 3- Day Workshop is $900 per horse and rider.  Auditors (Fence sitters) are always welcome for $25 per day.

5-Day workshops are 1 Week of totally immersive hands-on instruction. The instructor will utilize the see
one, do one, and teach one training methodology. Instruction and demonstrations will be given
during the morning and afternoon sessions. The riders will then train on their horse to perform
the exercises. Small class sizes allow coaching and evaluation to build your skills in a fun,
supportive setting.

The cost of our 5- Day Workshop is $1250 per horse and rider.  Auditors (Fence sitters) are always welcome for $25 per day.

Check out our EVENTS page to find a clinic or get signed up!

Straight Talk from Students – The Accreditation Program

Posted on by Maggie Downs

Troy Chappell and April Scarbrough are classmates in Josh Lyons’ accreditation program. But that’s not all they have in common.

Both have had successful careers in the past – Troy as a farmer in North Dakota, April as an active duty Marine – and both now hope to start a new career training horses and helping others in the process.

“I’ve downsized and I figured I’d retire and do something I enjoy,” Troy said. “As a farmer I had horses and I’ve done tons and tons of trail riding but as I age I want to do more than just ride – I want to teach.”

Troy, 59, said he’s helped people in the past, privately, but never as a business. That’s what he wants to change with Lyons’ help.

“This program is just the best,” he said. “Josh makes you feel like family – there’s no pressure. He really helps you tune in to what you want to do.”

One technique that sticks with him is a technique that helps the horse – and rider – let go of unwanted stress. He describes taking the horse in slow, small circles and then slowly increasing speed and moving in bigger circles.

“It raises their emotions up and down … it helps to control the horse’s emotions,” he said. “There are tons of exercises to control parts of the horse’s body – it’s kind of complex, but we break it down and put it together.

“I’m just here to better myself,” Troy said. “A horse is never really finished, and as a horseman, you never stop learning – it’s kind of a lifelong thing.”

The accreditation program is a four-week, hands on course. Trainers learn to control every aspect of a horse’s performance. The program offers targeted training techniques aimed at training higher level horses and riders.

These students say the program is about the horse, but it’s about the trainer too. They say no horseman – or horse woman – is the same – you take what works for you and leave the rest.

April retired from the marines a over a year ago. At 43, she hopes to become an equine therapeutic riding instructor.

“I looked at the qualifications for an equine therapeutic riding instructor and I realized my riding was lacking,” she said. “My brother had horses and I rode as a little girl – trail rides and wagons. As an adult I tried barrel racing and also practiced dressage. But I knew I wanted to learn more.”

She knew early on the Lyons program was different.

“I’ve learned more in two weeks than I did in all the years before,” she said. “There are definitely differing skill levels, but there’s no judgement here. I’m the least experienced but it’s no big deal.”

April wants to team up with a non-profit to help treat women suffering from trauma, specifically military sexual trauma, which refers to experiences of sexual assault or sexual harassment that a Veteran experiences during military service.

“The VA has counseling and therapy but no specific activity to get them off the couch and out of their heads.”

She also pointed to the Lyons organizations use of the GI Bill® Benefits as another factor that drew her to the Lyons program.

These benefits help qualified veterans pay for college, graduate school or training programs.

“I’ve been very grateful for that,” she said.

Giving Back to Veterans at Warrior Ranch

Posted on by Maggie Downs

At the Warrior Ranch Foundation, each of the veterans – and the horses – have their own story. The Rhode Island ranch brings them together and with the help of elite horse trainers, helps them to write a new chapter.

Josh Lyons recently donated two days of his time to conduct a Warrior Ranch retreat and riding clinic.

“We are so thrilled Josh made it to Warrior Ranch,” said ranch founder Eileen Shanahan. “The Lyons horsemanship method is fantastic.” She added, “Josh has a passion for our country and the veterans.”

Josh was assisted by US Army Green Beret veteran Matt Pitt.

“I think that we have the freedom to be able to do our jobs as horsemen because of our veterans … It’s a shame they don’t always get the credit they deserve or the help that they need. So anything we can do for our veterans is huge,” Shanahan said.

Established in 2016, the non-profit seeks horses in need of rehabilitation. There are former race horses, a horse rescue, ponies with medical issues and more. Veterans of the military and first responders struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or just readjusting to civilian life, work with trainers to learn how to handle the horses, bond with them and learn how their demeanor effects that of the horses. In doing so, veterans learn to become self-aware. By recognizing their feelings and emotions they can begin to take the steps necessary to deal with them.

Veterans who have gone through the program have described it as life changing and say it helps ‘ground them.’ Their experience helps them move toward the future, better able to feel and show emotion and best of all, to help others.

The Lyons certification program and accreditation program are approved for VA Education Benefits.

Find out more about the Warrior Ranch at www.warriorranchfoundation.org You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Special Offer for Accredited and Certified Trainers!

Posted on by jlyons

????Special Offer to Our Certified and Accredited Trainers!!! ????

How would you like to participate in the program you graduated from again for 50% OFF???

✨Contact Us for Program and Savings Details ✨

Feel Free to Call, Email, or send us a message on Facebook on the Lyons Legacy Page

Phone: 615-379-1056

Email: cert@lyonslegacy.com

Hunting The Circle

Posted on by jlyons

Everyone loves a horse you can ask to do something and they keep doing that job until you tell them to quit!

But how many of you have ever put your horse on a right or left direction/circle and you keep having to hold the guide, ending up micro-managing your horse constantly because they keep leaving the circle?

Here’s 3 exercises that help your horse “Hunt the Circle” so that you can ask them to go left or right and they stay on that circle, doing their job on their own until you tell them to quit.

Are You Bridling Your Horse Correctly?

Posted on by jlyons

In this Certification class we took a few minutes learning a simple way to properly  bridle the horse.

It is important to not hit their teeth with the bit or to force it into their mouth, especially when introducing the bridle. Take your time! Let them slowly spit the bit out when taking the bridle off.

Remember, most bad bridling habits come from rushing the process or hitting their teeth with the bit!

Adding A Pre-Cue To The Back-up

Posted on by jlyons

“Adding pre-cues to backing your horse off your seat.”

Here’s a peek into classroom time during one of our 5 Day Trainers Clinics.

Be sure to check out or 2021 schedule for our upcoming clinics near you!

https://www.joshlyons.com/events/

For those of you who prefer to stay at home to learn and train at your own pace, our step-by-step Online Training Courses and weekly Zoom meetings with Josh are absolutely perfect!

https://lyons-online.mykajabi.com/

The Outside Horse

Posted on by jlyons

You are always riding two horses: The inside horse and the outside horse.

“Everything on the left side of the horse’s mane is controlled by your left hand, left leg, left seat. Everything on the right side of the mane is controlled by right hand, right leg, right seat.”

Cueing Your Horse

Posted on by jlyons

 

We cue our horses to do the things we want them to do, (to go forward, to go left, to go right, to change gaits, to change direction, speed transitions, to back up, etc.) but cueing them out of it is just as IMPORTANT.

Give them the responsibility of doing what you asked, until you tell them to stop.

What we don’t want is to tell them to do something and hold them there, constantly helping them do their job. it’s easy to micromanage and over-cue. Give them a job, tell them to do it and KEEP DOING the job until you tell them to stop.

Life After Legacy

Posted on by jlyons

Max and Alexis currently run Ecurie Morin Performance Horses in beautiful North Texas where they specialize in high end two-year-old reining horse prospects, sales, and clinics. Max specializes in training reining prospects while his wife Alexis manages the breeding facility.

Both Max and Alexis are graduates of the John and Josh Lyons Certification program. Max, originally from France, began his equine career in the United States working directly with Josh Lyons. During that time, he completed both the Lyons Legacy Certification and the Accreditation course with Josh Lyons. These two programs built and solidified Max’s foundation as a trainer and horseman.

The Certification program and Accreditation course are two programs structured to develop a high level of horsemanship and creativity in training that is in a league of its own. There is no shortage of opportunities during these two programs to troubleshoot, confront and resolve issues with each individual horse.

Josh is an amazing horseman, trainer, and teacher. His attention to each individual student allows them to become the best version of themselves while also teaching its students to provide the utmost care to its horses to help prevent injury to both rider and horse.

Following many years of being a tutor of Josh’s programs, Max was invited to become the first Master Trainer representing the Lyons Legacy philosophy and training methods, a huge honor. Since Max’s time with the Lyons, he has had opportunities to work with some great trainers including Al Dunning, Jordan Larson, Morey Fisk, Ruben Vandorp, and Nick Dowers to name a few.
Max and Alexis use the Lyons Legacy training philosophy every day in their work which has proven its worth after Max recently made the 2020 NRHA Futurity Open Finals. Max and Alexis look forward to future success and opportunities to grow their business with the continued support of Josh Lyons and his team.

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CONTACT

Lyons Legacy
28209  N. 139th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85262

 Office
(615) 379-1056
 info@lyonslegacy.com

HOURS

Monday – Friday
9 AM – 4 PM EST

Saturday
1 PM – 3 PM EST

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