Bud Lyon

Bud Lyon

6 Seasons

Bud Lyon is a distinguished horse trainer and rider renowned for his expertise and accomplishments in the equestrian world, particularly in the reining and ranch riding arenas. With a career spanning decades, Lyon has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry, recognized for his exceptional horsemanship and dedication to the sport. Lyon is the driving force behind Bud Lyon Performance Horses, a training program specializing in elite horses for reining and ranch horse events. He takes pride in training Open-caliber horses and coaching Amateur and Youth riders to achieve their goals, showcasing his commitment to fostering talent across all levels of competition. Lyon's emphasis on coaching and communication, coupled with his extensive knowledge of reining and ranch versatility, makes him a sought-after clinician in his areas of expertise. His dedication to the development of both horse and rider has solidified his reputation as a trusted mentor and leader in the equestrian community, inspiring countless individuals to reach their full potential in the arena.

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Bud Lyon
  • Sidepassing a Young Horse Over a Log

    Episode 1

    Bud coaches a student as she works on a sidepass over a log with a young horse. He explains how slowing down and focusing on correctness can help your young horse learn to perform the maneuver accurately.

  • Fixing the Spin By Trotting

    Episode 2

    If your horse struggles with spinning, Bud Lyon shows you how he likes to incorporate trotting into his practice to help his horse find his footing.

  • Start and Stop a Spin

    Episode 3

    Ceasing a spin on target is essential for the show pen. Here are Bud Lyon's tips.

  • Fixing the Overturn

    Episode 4

    Don't let an overturn leave you in the penalty box when you're in the show pen. Use this drill from Bud Lyon to get your horse to stop when you ask him.

  • Turnaround Tune Up

    Episode 5

    If you find your horse getting dull when you ask him to spin, you might need to school the turnaround to help tune him up.

  • Fixing Too Much Bend in the Spin

    Episode 6

    Having a horse bend too much in a spin can cause many issues. Bud works with a horse that likes to have too much bend when he's turning and shows you how he fixes the problem.

  • Lateral and Forward Movement for Lead Changes

    Episode 7

    You must have lateral and forward movement if you want your horse to perform a flying lead change. Bud Lyon schools a green ranch riding horse and works on his horse's green flying lead change.

  • Getting Tight in the Rundown

    Episode 8

    Do you feel like your horse gets tense when it comes time to run down and stop in a reining pattern? Bud Lyon goes over how he likes to help his horse free up his shoulders so he can stop with ease.

  • Stiff in the Sliding Stop

    Episode 9

    Does your horse get tight when it comes time to stop? Or does he start to stiffen when you cue the stop? Bud Lyon shows you a few drills you can use to fix that problem.

  • Troubleshooting the Sidepass

    Episode 10

    Bud coaches a rider as she works on a sidepass over a log. He offers helpful feedback on her starting position and hand position.

  • Green Horse Lead Change Practice

    Episode 11

    Bud Lyon works a green ranch riding horse and shows you how he likes to work with a green horse on their flying lead change.

  • Schooling Ranch Riding Obstacles

    Episode 12

    If your horse isn't listening to your cues, or isn't be careful with where he's placing his feet when you're going over ranch riding obstacles, Bud Lyon goes over the importance of schooling your horse to help him learn where he's supposed to place his feet.

  • Softening a Stiff Horse

    Episode 13

    Whether you prefer to be in the show pen or out on the trails, having a horse who stays soft in his body makes your ride more enjoyable. In this exercise, Bud Lyon works with a horse he considers stiff and shows you the warm-up drills he likes to include in his ride to help a horse soften.

  • Fixing a Sticky Back Up

    Episode 14

    Does your horse get stuck when you ask him to step backward? Bud Lyon shows you a drill he likes to work on from the ground that helps a horse get unstuck when it comes to backing up.

  • Reining Spin Vs. Ranch Riding Spin

    Episode 15

    Their roots are the same, but the spin's execution for reining and ranch riding are different. Bud Lyon explains.

  • Mental Prep Checklist for Daily Riding

    Episode 16

    Bud Lyon explains why having a mental prep checklist every day for riding can improve your horsemanship.

  • Longeing

    Episode 17

    People longe their horses for many reasons. Here's Bud Lyon's process.

  • Troubleshooting Trotovers

    Episode 18

    Bud coaches a rider as she works on trotovers. He encourages the rider to create more impulsion while focusing on cadence and rhythm.

  • Log Spacing in the Ranch Riding

    Episode 19

    Learn what the spacing should be in the ranch riding pattern. Bud breaks down how to set your logs for practice and what your spacing should be like.

  • Clean Up Your Transitions

    Episode 20

    Bud works with a rider on cleaning up her transitions, mainly from extended gaits to regular gaits. He also discusses the importance of steering.

  • Rein Length During an Extension

    Episode 21

    Bud Lyon explains how long your reins should be during an extension. He discusses how to handle your reins properly during the extension so you don't get a penatly from the judge.

  • Teaching a Horse to Extend

    Episode 22

    Bud explains how to teach your horse to extend his stride. He walks us through a drill geared at helping your horse extend his stride.

  • Hand Placement

    Episode 23

    In ranch riding, hand placement should be subtle. Bud discusses hand placement with a rider and gives her feedback.

  • Build the Foundation Drill

    Episode 24

    Bud Lyon demonstrates a foundation drill. He also discusses how to use your hand, leg, and voice to keep your horse listening through the transitions. He also explains the concept of "inviting the mistake" during training.