In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Brody Hickman, founder of Brody Hickman Riding Academy, for a conversation about horses, horsemanship, and the experiences that shape a rider across disciplines.

Brody’s path began with Saddlebreds and Morgans, then expanded into Quarter Horses, reining, Western pleasure, and teaching. Through each chapter, one theme has stayed consistent: before riders choose a discipline, they need to understand the horse.

Together, Alex and Brody talk about the value of building strong foundations, respecting the small details, and recognizing how much different corners of the horse world have in common. From the thrill of a Saddlebred down the rail to the feel of a reining horse in a sliding stop, this conversation explores the connection, timing, and care that sit at the heart of good riding.

Brody also shares how his riding academy is helping students become more thoughtful, capable horsemen by teaching the lessons that begin long before anyone gets in the saddle.

This episode is a warm reminder that every discipline may have its own style, but true horsemanship always starts with the horse.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome to The Long Ride Home

01:30 - Brody’s Early Start with Morgans and Saddlebreds

03:54 - The Family Influence Behind a Life with Horses

12:11 - Learning the Feel of a Quarter Horse

14:30 - The Thrill of Connection Across Disciplines

18:03 - The Story Behind Brody Hickman Riding Academy

18:09 - Why Horsemanship Starts Before the Saddle

20:04 - Farm Management Lessons and Real Horse Care

22:46 - Teaching True Horsemanship and Horse Ownership

24:04 - Building a Foundation Before Choosing a Discipline

29:52 - What Brody Has Seen Across the Horse Industry

30:59 - Visibility, Awareness, and Growing the Sport

32:36 - Seeing Saddlebreds Through Fresh Eyes

40:39 - Why Different Disciplines Are More Similar Than They Seem

Connect with Brody:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brody_hickman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brody.hickman.16

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