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
  • Ranch Riding 101

    Episode 1

    Sit down to learn about our ranch riding masterclass and what you'll learn with multiple world trainer Bud Lyon.

  • Ranch Riding Fundamentals: Blind Walkover Logs

    Episode 2

    Bud Lyon explains what a blind walkover is and how you can teach your horse to prepare for it.

  • Ranch Riding Fundamentals: Sidepassing

    Episode 3

    The sidepass is another common maneuver you might be asked to do in a ranch riding class. Bud Lyon shows you how he starts teaching a horse how to sidepass, and then demonstrates sidepassing over a log.

  • Ranch Riding Fundamentals: Lopeover Logs

    Episode 4

    Typically in a ranch riding pattern you'll be asked to walk, jog, or lope over a set of logs. Bud Lyon shows you how he introduces horses to the lopeover log.

  • Ranch Riding Fundamentals: Trotover Logs

    Episode 5

    Typically in a ranch riding pattern you'll be asked to walk, jog, or lope over a set of logs. Bud Lyon shows you how he introduces horses to trotover logs.

  • Ranch Riding Fundamentals: Simple Lead Changes

    Episode 6

    When a ranch riding pattern calls for a lead change, you usually have the option to perform a simple or a flying lead change. Bud Lyon goes over the simple lead change.

  • Ranch Riding Fundamentals: Spins

    Episode 7

    Turnarounds are a very important piece of a ranch riding pattern. Bud Lyon works on turnarounds with a green ranch riding horse.

  • Ranch Riding Fundamentals: Steering and Guiding

    Episode 8

    Bud Lyon walks you through the basics of teaching your horse to steer and guide for events like ranch riding and ranch trail.

  • Ranch Riding Fundamentals: Gait Extensions and Transitions

    Episode 9

    Gait extension and transitions are a very large part of a ranch riding pattern. Bud Lyon works with a green ranch riding horse and works on speed transitions and asking for gait extension.

  • Ranch Riding Fundamentals: The Foundation

    Episode 10

    Your horse's foundation is everything. Bud Lyon trains on a green horse and goes over the foundation he likes to put on a horse before he starts doing ranch riding with them.

  • Ranch Riding Tack and Gear: Senior Horse Setup

    Episode 11

    Horses 6 years and over, also known as senior horses in AQHA, are required to ride in a one-handed shank bit. Bud talks about romal reins versus split reins and what you'll see senior horses ride around in at a competition.

  • Ranch Riding Tack and Gear: Hackamore

    Episode 12

    For younger horses, it's common to see them compete in a hackamore setup. Bud Lyon goes over how he fits a hackamore to a horse and how he ties his mecate reins to the saddle.

  • Ranch Riding Tack and Gear: Junior Horse Setup

    Episode 13

    In Quarter Horse competition junior horses are horses under the age of 6. Bud Lyon talks about the tack and gear set up you might see in a junior division, including a snaffle bit.

  • Ranch Riding Horse VS. Reining Horse

    Episode 14

    Learn from Bud Lyon what to look for in a ranch riding prospect versus a reining prospect.

  • Schooling Ranch Riding Obstacles

    Episode 15

    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.

  • Reining to Ranch Riding: Right-Hand Gate

    Episode 16

    Bud Lyon works with a horse who is new to the gate maneuver to complete a right-hand gate.

  • Reining Spin Vs. Ranch Riding Spin

    Episode 17

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

  • Log Spacing in the Ranch Riding

    Episode 18

    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.

  • Introduction to Ranch Riding: Flying Lead Change

    Episode 19

    The next step in working with a rider who is new to the ranch riding is the lead change. Bud Lyon discusses when to use a flying lead change and shows a new rider how to cue for a flying lead change.

  • Performing Ranch Riding Pattern 12

    Episode 20

    Bud Lyon takes us through the complete Ranch Riding Pattern 12. Get an immersive experience as you ride along with Bud in this pattern.

  • Introduction to Ranch Riding: Working the Trot

    Episode 21

    Is your horse reaching at the extended trot or just going faster when you’re trotting? Are you standing up in your stirrups or do you prefer posting? These are all things to think about when you’re practicing the trot for a ranch riding event. 

  • Introduction to Ranch Riding: Extend the Walk

    Episode 22

    Have you ever wondered how to teach your horse to extend the walk? Bud Lyon breaks down the basics of extending the walk and works with a rider who is new to the ranch riding learn how to properly ask her horse to walk so he doesn’t break into a trot during a ranch riding class.

  • Introduction to Ranch Riding:Working the Extended Lope

    Episode 23

    When Bud Lyon works with a rider, he likes to make sure they’re comfortable going all speeds in the ranch riding. Here he breaks down the extended lope and how a rider should ask for the speed transition in the class.

  • Practicing Ranch Riding Obstacles

    Episode 24

    If you plan on competing in ranch riding events, you need to be familiar with going over logs at a walk, trot, and lope, and must be able to sidepass over a log. In this video Bud Lyon works with a non-pro rider and goes over the different obstacles he practices when he's at home.