MBR Performance Horsemanship LLC -Elsabe Hausauer

10/25/2025

Clinic is now FULL.. again 😃
Sign up at https://philhaugenhorsemanship.com/events

UPDATE: This clinic is being rescheduled to
NOVEMBER 8, 9th & due to rescheduled date there are now a few spots open.

Sign up here: https://philhaugenhorsemanship.com/events
———

Phil Haugen Horsemanship clinic
happening this weekend in TWIN BUTTES!!

Clinic is FULL!!!
Spectator/Audit Fee: $300

With over 40 years of training experience and thousands of horses through his training program, Phil Haugen has become recognized as a valuable resource in foundational horsemanship and c**t starting. Raised in western North Dakota, Phil grew up knowing the value of a well-trained equine partner and the importance of creating a foundation built on trust and respect. Phil competed in calf roping, team roping, and saddle bronc riding in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) for 20 years, and is now a PRCA Gold Card member. He has qualified for the PRCA Badlands Circuit Finals and the Prairie Circuit Finals in these respective events. Winning at both ends of the arena led Phil to earn the coveted Linderman Award in 1989. He was inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2021 and nominated for Western Horseman’s Best of Trainers & Clinicians in 2023.

Phil has developed a unique training style based on his experiences in and out of the competitive arena. His philosophy of “Training Through Understanding” starts with a simple, common sense approach that keeps the horse in a trusting, secure, and confident state of mind. His approach centers around the concept of helping the horse “think” and “understand” the responses you are asking for and teaching trainers how to enhance their communication and leadership with the horse(s) they are working with. Phil believes that meaningful communication and proper horsemanship can allow any horse and rider to achieve their optimal individual potential.

This approach has produced over $1,000,000 in Equistat earnings by performance horses that have been through Phil’s program. These horses have not been limited by age or discipline and have excelled in major barrel racing events, tie-down roping, team roping, breakaway roping, futurities, derbies and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifications. Phil and his family currently reside in Weatherford, Oklahoma. He continues to compete in roping events while maintaining a full training roster and clinic schedule. He is the host of the globally-recognized podcast, ‘Be Your Best Horsemanship’ and connects with trainers worldwide through his clinics, events, online training and mentorship programs.

Heres to a great weekend. Thank you Tara & the Twin Buttes Fairgrounds for opening up the beautiful facility to the group.

10/24/2025

“Your integrity, honesty & how you treat people will take you way further in the horse world than your knowledge alone. To do better requires integrity. For me, professionally and personally, in order to live with authenticity I cannot and will not tolerate those who do not act with integrity toward people or animals. Having integrity requires authenticity. Authenticity is living your talk & walking your walk. This means aligning your actions with your values and beliefs, where what you say is a genuine reflection of your true self”

📸 Rockin’ Pj Photography

10/24/2025

Sign up at https://philhaugenhorsemanship.com/events

UPDATE: This clinic is being rescheduled to
NOVEMBER 8, 9th & due to rescheduled date there are now a few spots open.

Sign up here: https://philhaugenhorsemanship.com/events
———

Phil Haugen Horsemanship clinic
happening this weekend in TWIN BUTTES!!

Clinic is FULL!!!
Spectator/Audit Fee: $300

With over 40 years of training experience and thousands of horses through his training program, Phil Haugen has become recognized as a valuable resource in foundational horsemanship and c**t starting. Raised in western North Dakota, Phil grew up knowing the value of a well-trained equine partner and the importance of creating a foundation built on trust and respect. Phil competed in calf roping, team roping, and saddle bronc riding in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) for 20 years, and is now a PRCA Gold Card member. He has qualified for the PRCA Badlands Circuit Finals and the Prairie Circuit Finals in these respective events. Winning at both ends of the arena led Phil to earn the coveted Linderman Award in 1989. He was inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2021 and nominated for Western Horseman’s Best of Trainers & Clinicians in 2023.

Phil has developed a unique training style based on his experiences in and out of the competitive arena. His philosophy of “Training Through Understanding” starts with a simple, common sense approach that keeps the horse in a trusting, secure, and confident state of mind. His approach centers around the concept of helping the horse “think” and “understand” the responses you are asking for and teaching trainers how to enhance their communication and leadership with the horse(s) they are working with. Phil believes that meaningful communication and proper horsemanship can allow any horse and rider to achieve their optimal individual potential.

This approach has produced over $1,000,000 in Equistat earnings by performance horses that have been through Phil’s program. These horses have not been limited by age or discipline and have excelled in major barrel racing events, tie-down roping, team roping, breakaway roping, futurities, derbies and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifications. Phil and his family currently reside in Weatherford, Oklahoma. He continues to compete in roping events while maintaining a full training roster and clinic schedule. He is the host of the globally-recognized podcast, ‘Be Your Best Horsemanship’ and connects with trainers worldwide through his clinics, events, online training and mentorship programs.

Heres to a great weekend. Thank you Tara & the Twin Buttes Fairgrounds for opening up the beautiful facility to the group.

10/24/2025

UPDATE: This clinic is being rescheduled to
NOVEMBER 8, 9th & due to rescheduled date there are now a few spots open.

Sign up here: https://philhaugenhorsemanship.com/events
———

Phil Haugen Horsemanship clinic
happening this weekend in TWIN BUTTES!!

Clinic is FULL!!!
Spectator/Audit Fee: $300

With over 40 years of training experience and thousands of horses through his training program, Phil Haugen has become recognized as a valuable resource in foundational horsemanship and c**t starting. Raised in western North Dakota, Phil grew up knowing the value of a well-trained equine partner and the importance of creating a foundation built on trust and respect. Phil competed in calf roping, team roping, and saddle bronc riding in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) for 20 years, and is now a PRCA Gold Card member. He has qualified for the PRCA Badlands Circuit Finals and the Prairie Circuit Finals in these respective events. Winning at both ends of the arena led Phil to earn the coveted Linderman Award in 1989. He was inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2021 and nominated for Western Horseman’s Best of Trainers & Clinicians in 2023.

Phil has developed a unique training style based on his experiences in and out of the competitive arena. His philosophy of “Training Through Understanding” starts with a simple, common sense approach that keeps the horse in a trusting, secure, and confident state of mind. His approach centers around the concept of helping the horse “think” and “understand” the responses you are asking for and teaching trainers how to enhance their communication and leadership with the horse(s) they are working with. Phil believes that meaningful communication and proper horsemanship can allow any horse and rider to achieve their optimal individual potential.

This approach has produced over $1,000,000 in Equistat earnings by performance horses that have been through Phil’s program. These horses have not been limited by age or discipline and have excelled in major barrel racing events, tie-down roping, team roping, breakaway roping, futurities, derbies and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifications. Phil and his family currently reside in Weatherford, Oklahoma. He continues to compete in roping events while maintaining a full training roster and clinic schedule. He is the host of the globally-recognized podcast, ‘Be Your Best Horsemanship’ and connects with trainers worldwide through his clinics, events, online training and mentorship programs.

Heres to a great weekend. Thank you Tara & the Twin Buttes Fairgrounds for opening up the beautiful facility to the group.

10/22/2025

Hey friends, if I haven’t gotten to you in a private lesson yet due to a busy fall and you need some online coaching & video requests…This private group is free for lesson friends.

10/22/2025

It’s not always “the trainers” fault….
some horses just have difficult genetics…

Blaming a trainer for issues rooted in a horse's genetic predisposition can be unfair, though a good trainer should understand and adapt to a horse's natural tendencies. A horse's behavior, athletic ability, and health are a complex interplay of both genetics and training or environment.

More than often horse owners would blame the trainers when the horse does undersideble behavior. Don’t get me wrong…some trainers really do suck and are dishonest and horses come home being worst off than ever before. This post is not about sketchy trainers it’s about horse genetics & predisposition. Often times we breed or raise horses that are known for being a little broncy, reactive, hot blooded ect. I would call them not very “user friendly” to all riders.

Horses with a "curiosity" gene may be more outgoing and interactive, while "vigilant" horses may be more reserved and reactive. A vigilant horse might be prone to spooking more often, a trait that is difficult to completely override with training. Some just take longer to mature than others & with some you never truly know what’s going to happen with every ride. Every day seems like a new day & yesterday was forgotten.

Then there is also Genetic diseases. Some genetic conditions can directly impact a horse's ability to perform unless on a a specified feeding program. For example Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM), which causes muscle stiffness and pain, and Malignant Hyperthermia (MH), which can be triggered by stress or anesthesia. These diseases can be mistaken for behavioral or training problems if the underlying genetic cause is not known.

Genetics & natural disposition can predispose a horse to certain issues but training and management still play a crucial role. A trainer's job involves more than just drilling skills….it includes understanding the horse's nature and adapting training methods to it. As a trainer you should know your owner. Know their capabilities and know what it will take to get that specific horse to where it could be user friendly. Owner needs to know if they have the time and experience to commit to that horse consistently or sell it to someone who does. Ultimately, a horse's development is a product of both its inherent genes and its lifelong experiences.

Genetics & disposition may present challenges & if you find it hard to get trainers to ride the c**ts you have raised it might be time to look into a change in the breeding program. Goal is to raise horses that people want to buy & trainers want to train.

As a trainers our goal is to help that horse be as user friendly as possible for the owner and to know the owners capabilities. If the owner is not capable of continuing with that horse and its natural disposition then it’s best for the owner to sell it or keep the horse in training with the trainer for at minimum a year.

To many people get hurt on horses &
it’s not always the trainers fault!!!!!!

Have a great Wednesday!!!

- Elsabe Hausauer

*Picture of my 8 year old with a son of One Shiney Metallic. I can honestly say these c**ts have been an absolute dream to work with since the day they were born. They love people & are so smart. I have two of them and they both are identical in disposition. Cant say enough good things about this stallion.

10/21/2025

Once my indoor arena goes up in the next year or two I will be starting c**ts for public again over the quiet months in ND and all will be required to stay for minimum of 3+ months.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 — 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫

It’s no secret the equine industry is booming. Between the explosion of incentive programs and more major horse shows than ever before, the demand for well-started, confident young horses has skyrocketed. Leading riders are traveling now more than ever - escalating the value exponentially solid c**t starting programs.

Yet, there’s one part of the equation that seems to be in short supply — experienced c**t starters.

If you’re new to the business or simply preparing to show one you’ve raised for the first time, our advice is twofold:

Feed them well.
Find a horse trainer you trust and want to invest in.

But here’s the vital piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: the c**t starting.

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐚 𝟑𝟎-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝

This isn’t a quick-fix job, no matter how much we wish it could be. Every c**t is an individual. What one horse may figure out in a day might take another 30 days to understand — and that’s not a reflection of the trainer or the horse. A true horseman knows the difference and adjusts accordingly.

Too many people still throw around the phrase “just starting” like it’s no big deal. Truth is, that mindset can make or break a young prospect. The foundation built (or not built) in those first 30 days will follow that horse for the rest of its life.

So here’s our first piece of advice: Don’t discount this step.
The professionals who dedicate their lives to starting performance prospects are worth every single dollar they charge — and then some.

𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥, 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜

It’s a good problem to have when the trainer you want to use is booked solid. But instead of settling for “whoever’s available,” ask that trainer who they recommend. Many top horsemen have other professionals they trust to start horses for their own programs. That insight is gold — take it.

And once your c**t is with the c**t starter and then the trainer, remember to communicate. Listen to their evaluation. This is your first “progress report” of the year. Pay attention to what they say, don't be offended or defensive — listen to where your horse excels, where it struggles, and how it learns. That feedback helps you make better decisions moving forward in their careers.

𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧

We’ll say it again: this isn’t a 30-day miracle job. If you want your horse to be confident, consistent, and set up for a lifetime of success, plan to leave them for at least 90 to 120 days.

With so many leading trainers constantly traveling for major events, your young horse will benefit from being with someone who’s consistent, patient, and hands-on when it counts the most.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 — 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭

Here’s the elephant in the room: When should you start your c**t?

Most professional c**t starters will tell you — the sooner, the better. Young horses, much like teenagers, go through what we call a “sponge stage.” They crave stimulation and learning. Not because they want to get into trouble, but because their minds are searching for something to do.

For some c**ts, that phase comes around 18 months. For others, closer to 24. The best approach? Let your horse, veterinarian, and trainer guide the timing together.

And remember — in a professional c**t starting program with horseman, these horses aren’t being worked hard or long. Sessions are short and intentional — 10 to 20 minutes focused on confidence, clarity, and communication. The goal is to set them up for a lifetime of success, right at the moment when they’re most open to learning.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

The truth is simple: The industry needs more skilled c**t starters — and more owners who understand their value. If you’re investing the time, money, and heart into breeding or buying a performance horse, don’t cut corners at the very start of their journey.

For the love of all things holy... Pay them. Pay them well. In the long run it will be the best money you have spent. Ever. Guaranteed. You will lose less time. They won't go 10 step forward to go 20 steps back.

Feed them right.
Trust the process.
Find a horseman who believes in setting a foundation, not rushing a result.

Because those first rides don’t just make a horse — they make a future.

Pictured: Our C**t Starting Magician - David Neason of A Texas Cowboy & The Everyday Horseman Community

10/20/2025

🌟 New Broodmare Spotlight 🌟

Welcome to the ranch SHEZA TAKIN HER TIME aka Cuda! She comes from strong Canadian bloodlines. Cuda had a short but promising career in barrels before an injury sent her to the broodmare pasture. She has a big motor yet very broke and responsive. This mare is a is a proven producer in the barrel & roping pen. I am absolutely ecstatic about her…she is absolutely gorgeous and so easy to be around.

Her sire, Eye Take Time is a leading running horse sire in Canada & siring winners both in the barrels and on the track. He is by Mr Eye Opener out of Take After Me, by Bully Bullion
*Versatile Champion Sire.
*3 x Champion Alberta Race Sire

Cuda is in foal to a beautiful local stallion owned by Ashley Rognlien named Metallics Little Cat by Metallic Cattack (2020 APHA World Championship in Tie-Down Roping)
for 2026 foal. Metallics Little Cat is known for his incredible disposition and versatility. Proven in and outside the arena. Check him out on facebook.

Thank you Ashley for giving me an opportunity to own this amazing mare. We are so excited to ad her to our breeding program and can’t wait to see her foals!!!

Elsabe Hausauer

10/18/2025

BEFRIEND your Imposter Syndrome….
{yep, read that again} 😃

From time to time I hear riders talk about their struggles with Impostor syndrome so I thought let’s write about it. I really should have my own blog because it is things like this that relates to us all. It opens up doors for vulnerability, for being real, humble, allows growth while supporting one another without judgement. There has been times in my life where I have also struggled with it. I have found what has always helped me was to call the issue by its name, acknowledge what it is & work towards a more positive mindset. Every negative thought has a positive life lesson.

Impostor syndrome usually shows up when we want to progress. We want to reach out further to develop ourselves as a better rider. Imposter syndrome is the feeling of not being good enough. You have the knowledge, but you doubt yourself. It can be when you go into clinics, lessons or when you go into a competition and things don’t go as planned. It usually occurs after a particularly bad ride, show or rodeo event.

Often riders feel like they are not progressing. If you look back, you can see that you are, but you can get very stuck in that thought process of “I am not good enough” or “who am I”. We are our worst critics, what we say to ourselves, we wouldn't dare say to the other people around us about their riding.

Imposter syndrome took me to an article
by Clare Josa….

What are the 4 Ps of Imposter Syndrome and why are they so important? How do they help us to spot the early warning signs? How do they fit with the fight-flight-freeze- stress response? And how can you turn this around, especially if you're running all four?

Perfectionism
- setting our standards incredibly high and writing it off as fluke or “luck” if we dare to actually achieve them.

Procrastination
- This happens whenever we are doing a task that is like dancing around the edges of what we're meant to be doing rather than diving in and getting it done. Research study found that over 70% of people with Imposter syndrome were using procrastination as a coping mechanism more than once a day.

Project Paralysis
- situation where individuals become paralyzed by an overwhelming amount of data and options.

People pleasing
- not having boundaries over giving too much for free, not charging what we're worth and worrying what people think of you.

What is the Impostor syndrome voice trying to teach you?

It’s all about how we frame it in our minds and how we talk to ourselves. Instead of dismissing it, we should listen, acknowledge and accept it, and understand what it’s trying to teach us. If you see imposter syndrome as an opportunity to grow rather than a gap in your knowledge, you can make it work for you. After all, this internal struggle can be a valuable source of self-awareness…. view it as not what you lack but where you can grow. Most people hate this voice that's beating them up, most people try to fight this voice. But the fact is this voice is actually designed to help you to continue evolving and to never stop wanting to educate yourself. My advice would be this: BEFRIEND your impostor, turn it into your greatest ally and ask it the right questions and know that it was designed to assist you to never stop learning & to never stop evolving.

Which of the 4 P’s are you struggling with today or have struggled with in the past? Would love to hear your story.

Have an awesome Saturday friends!!!

*******
📸 Rockin’ Pj Photography
Elsabe Hausauer

10/15/2025

Saw a post from a page I love to follow and they said exactly what we do with our horses so I thought I’d elaborate. This post goes as follows:

“Reactive horses do not need desensitized. They need re-sensitized to seek answers to the question of mental and physical pressure” - Mills Consilient Horsemanship (follow them on facebook)

This approach builds confidence…

The re-sensitization method works by empowering the horse to find the correct answer to pressure. Instead of being forced to endure something scary, the horse learns that by checking in with its trainer, it can make the pressure go away. This builds confidence and trust, and allows the horse to keeps its natural sensitivity & curiosity while also staying calm and mentally engaged.

- Desensitize or Re-sensitized -
The concept that reactive horses need "re-sensitized" is a counter-approach to traditional desensitization training. This method is based on the idea that horses have both a thinking side and a reactive side of their brain, but can only use one at a time. A reactive horse in a state of panic/fear is operating on instinct alone. The re-sensitization approach focuses on returning the horse to a thinking state, so they can process and respond to cues rather than reacting.

Some training methods can cause a horse to mentally or physically shut down, which can be mistaken for calmness. For example, a horse that stands perfectly still while exposed to a scary object may not be calm. Instead, it may have learned that its instinct flight response is useless and has simply shut down emotionally. This shutdown can be a temporary “band-aid”. The suppressed anxiety can accumulate and eventually lead to an explosive panic/fear reaction when the horse is overwhelmed or faces a different type of pressure.

Over-desensitizing can make a horse unresponsive to subtle cues, forcing trainers to use harsher aids to get a reaction. This can create a dull horse that no longer responds willingly to light pressure. The re-sensitization training method works by building a horse's confidence through controlled exercises that teach the horse how to handle pressure effectively. The goal is to make the horse an active participant in problem solving & remain curious.

Have a great Wednesday friends!!!


📸 Prairie Wind Photography