Welcome to the Horsemanship With Brandy Blog

Most trainers will tell you that your mule can only go up, down, left, right, forward, or backwards.  Mules are spunky creatures and with them being all wheel drive, I am here to tell you the...

First, if you are having trouble with your horse, do not be afraid to seek help from a trainer or clinician.  Do not feel like a lesser rider by wearing a helmet, and ride with others until...

Meet JoJo!   He’s a Missouri Fox Trotter mule that forgot to be gaited.  JoJo belongs to myself, Brandy Von Holten.  My husband and I own a trail riding facility 14 miles...

As a host, you are not going to be perfect.  As soon as you can come to terms with this inevitable truth, you will regain hours of sleep and find a peace of mind that is priceless. ...

Finding courage and motivation is a difficult task and gets harder and harder to find as we add candles to our birthday cake each year.  I, too, find myself doubting and fearing being made fun...

There are ways to design your course for your competition to run smoothly and time efficiently.  Understanding the two major types of obstacles will help you begin designing a course that...

My husband and I own and operate Von Holten Ranch, a trail riding facility in Mora, MO.  We have  hosted over 70 events a year.  When people view our life looking from the outside...

Life is always about the little details.  If someone remembers your birthday and sends a card, that means more than wishing you happy birthday on Facebook.  If someone makes you a cup of...

Equifest of Kansas is a three-day expo put on yearly by the Kansas Horse Council.  It is a big deal for the equine industry in Kansas and Missouri.  Equifest is vital to our trail riding...

You see a ditch crossing in your path coming up and you know exactly what your mule is about to do; JUMP IT!  Now, if your mule is anything like my old barrel horse, it can’t just jump...

Today's interview is with Angela Ammons, a friend and frequent trail guest at Von Holten Ranch. This is her story about her two-year journey to win the Country Tough Trail Versatility National...

Confidence is a real issue for adults and children alike when it comes to handling and riding equine.  However, children are a blank slate and are natural riders.  Have you ever seen a...