"If you don't work with a horse until they get it right once-work with them until they can't get it wrong. Safety must always come before ego."

In this episode of Keeping It Real, host Jenn Godfrey sits down with Luke Brown-founder of Riata Horsemanship-for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the raw realities of horse ownership, managing green horses, and overcoming self-doubt in the saddle.

@RealJennGodfrey shares her personal experiences riding her high-energy horse, Boomerang, including a harrowing trail encounter where she was swarmed by wild horses and a scary moment on a cliffside trail. Together, Jenn and Luke unpack why so many modern horse problems stem from animals being "underworked and overfed," how to fix responsive and relaxation "cracks" in a horse's training, and why effective horsemanship relies on clear boundaries and consistent leadership rather than just "cookies and cuddles."

What You'll Learn in This Episode

"Underworked & Overfed": Why stall energy creates behavioral issues and how consistent work restores balance.

Softness vs. Dullness: How to read your horse's responsiveness on the reins and overcome resistance.

Trailer Loading & Foundation Work: Why horses fear enclosed spaces and how ground control fixes loading issues.

Safety vs. Ego on the Trail: Recognizing dangerous situations-like cliffside trails and wild studs-and knowing when it is smart to dismount.

Horsemanship & Parenting Parallels: Why emotional control, clear boundaries, and consistency earn a horse's trust and respect.

About Jenn Godfrey

@RealJennGodfrey is the host of Keeping It Real, a podcast dedicated to honest, unfiltered conversations about life, personal growth, health, and authentic experiences. Beyond hosting, Jenn is an entrepreneur and business owner who runs a marketing agency with her husband, Todd. Driven by a passion for community and personal transformation, Jenn uses her platform to share real-world stories, empower her audience to face life's challenges, and foster meaningful connections without unrealistic expectations.

About Luke Brown & Riata Horsemanship

@reatahorsemanship is a professional horse trainer, instructor, and founder of Riata Horsemanship. Drawing from decades of ranching experience in Colorado and Arizona, Luke specializes in safety-first training methodologies, private instruction, and helping riders build clear, disciplined relationships with their horses.

Featuring https://www.instagram.com/RealJennGodfrey/ and https://www.instagram.com/reatahorsemanship

💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever felt defeated or challenged by your horse's behavior on a ride? How did you handle it? Let us know in the comments below!

🎧 Subscribe to Keeping It Real for more conversations on horsemanship, training, and authentic living → https://linktr.ee/RealJennGodfrey

🌐 Connect with Luke Brown at Reata Horsemanship → https://www.reatahorsemanship.com/

#Horsemanship #HorseTraining #RiataHorsemanship #Equestrian #HorseSafety