ACEINTHEHOLE - 2014-08-18 11:13 AM I don't know what questions to ask her, but she is one classy lady and a horsewoman deluxe! 

LRQHS - 2014-08-18 11:19 AM Also, just how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll sucker? (jk, jk, jk) 

oija - 2014-08-18 12:15 PM

I've got a two year old with her right now. I think she's one of the best in the industry. I'm not the only one that thinks that way either. Absolutely will put a great foundation on your horse and an awesome pattern. She's one of the only trainers I've never heard anything bad said about. After a couple of bad ones, my husband and I have been very picky and are very happy with all she is doing with Zephyr.

Here's a video of my two year old. I dropped the two year old off with 30 days basic riding. This is her at about 60-70 rides.

http://youtu.be/ULPjTEuWgOU?list=UUxA-NeBYPkXCdFhL9VqsALw

You could ask her about what accomplishment she is most proud of in terms of life? in terms of barrel racing? I know she has a few.

Of all the horses she has ridden, which horses influenced or taught her the most? What did they teach her?

What does she consider the most important fundamentals before starting a horse on the pattern?

What are her preferred therapy methods to get one back running? to maintain one? Does she like any alternative therapies? Which ones and why?

What does her feeding program consist of?

What conformational point is most important to making a successful barrel horse? low hocks? balance? shoulder angle? good hooves? muscle tone? etc.

What size of horse does she prefer?

What does she look for in a prospect? What age does she like to start them on the pattern?

What made her move from California (where her family's ranch is) to Oklahoma? What does she miss about California? What does she love the most about Oklahoma?

If someone is just getting started, what piece of advice would she consider the most important to give them?

If someone wanted to start a training business, what point of advice would she give them?

oija - 2014-08-18 12:18 PM Ask her what her preferred saddle type is? Maybe what type of pad she uses? I keep meaning to ask her this myself because that two year old is hard to fit.

BabyJ - 2014-08-18 1:28 PM What kind of strategy does she use to protect her reputation? Is she selective about horses she takes in based on their potential? If someone was bent and their horse being trained by her but the horse was not a good prospect would she still train it?

TurnLane - 2014-08-18 2:39 PM


I could answer nearly half your excellent questions as I have been lucky enough to be her friend before she was so popular. Like since 1990.  I am likely her number one fan.

Im guessing she will get on here soon and maybe respond or she may save it for the interview... I dont want to be her spokesperson (OK maybe I do-lol) but she does ride many of Ed's saddles. I know she has an Allen Ranch, a Charmayne and has had others. I bet she keeps different brands based in the way they vary in fit. 

I would ask what she does for fun?
Who inspires her?

What brand of feed she feeds? 

Her favorite book, movie, barrel horse (that she didnt own or train), favorite horseman and food?

She is really great at everything she does so I would want to know how that is possible? 

TurnLane - 2014-08-18 4:42 PM She is super woman, that's how!  

Barnmom - 2014-08-18 5:16 PM


You gotta do better than that, we need details, what does it take to be "superwoman" lol!

BabyJ - 2014-08-18 9:49 PM


No kidding...no one is that super human. Aspiring trainers looking at this forum would benefit from a deeper answer with real best practices.

Southtxponygirl - 2014-08-18 1:35 PM


 

luvinrunnin - 2014-08-19 6:59 AM

 She has two of my horses right now and I have another to send when one comes home. She has been awesome to deal with and takes great care of the animals in her care. She's also great about not having a zillion things done (vet work) that aren't needed. She's honest as the day is long and I sure appreciate her!!!

BabyJ - 2014-08-18 1:28 PM

What kind of strategy does she use to protect her reputation? Is she selective about horses she takes in based on their potential? If someone was bent and their horse being trained by her but the horse was not a good prospect would she still train it?

Liana D - 2014-08-19 8:35 AM I don't think there's really anyway to protect my reputation except to do the right thing even, when no one's looking. That means that the horses in my care come first, whether I own them or someone else. It takes extra care, steps and $ to make sure everyone gets taken care of but it pays off. At any given time there can be $500,000 worth of horses here. It's my number one priority to make sure ALL of the horses receive the same high level of care that my personal horses do. ******The bottom line is the only thing protecting my reputation is satisfied customers.******* Am I selective about the horses I take based on potential ? No, not at all. I don't want a bronc or something unsound, that's about it. If some one sends a horse that was a not a good prospect, would I still train it ? That depends on what the owner's goals were. I've had some that ask me to evaluate and stop training if I don't think he will make a good horse. I've also had some that tell me that they like the horse, it really doesn't matter what I think and to train him. The owner is made aware of anything that might hinder training, such as soreness, unsoundness, etc. I want to know the owner's goals and proceed accordingly.

Liana D - 2014-08-19 8:35 AM I don't think there's really anyway to protect my reputation except to do the right thing even, when no one's looking. That means that the horses in my care come first, whether I own them or someone else. It takes extra care, steps and $ to make sure everyone gets taken care of but it pays off. At any given time there can be $500,000 worth of horses here. It's my number one priority to make sure ALL of the horses receive the same high level of care that my personal horses do. ******The bottom line is the only thing protecting my reputation is satisfied customers.******* Am I selective about the horses I take based on potential ? No, not at all. I don't want a bronc or something unsound, that's about it. If some one sends a horse that was a not a good prospect, would I still train it ? That depends on what the owner's goals were. I've had some that ask me to evaluate and stop training if I don't think he will make a good horse. I've also had some that tell me that they like the horse, it really doesn't matter what I think and to train him. The owner is made aware of anything that might hinder training, such as soreness, unsoundness, etc. I want to know the owner's goals and proceed accordingly.

Liana D - 2014-08-19 8:35 AM I don't think there's really anyway to protect my reputation except to do the right thing even, when no one's looking. That means that the horses in my care come first, whether I own them or someone else. It takes extra care, steps and $ to make sure everyone gets taken care of but it pays off. At any given time there can be $500,000 worth of horses here. It's my number one priority to make sure ALL of the horses receive the same high level of care that my personal horses do. ******The bottom line is the only thing protecting my reputation is satisfied customers.******* Am I selective about the horses I take based on potential ? No, not at all. I don't want a bronc or something unsound, that's about it. If some one sends a horse that was a not a good prospect, would I still train it ? That depends on what the owner's goals were. I've had some that ask me to evaluate and stop training if I don't think he will make a good horse. I've also had some that tell me that they like the horse, it really doesn't matter what I think and to train him. The owner is made aware of anything that might hinder training, such as soreness, unsoundness, etc. I want to know the owner's goals and proceed accordingly.

Liana D - 2014-08-19 8:35 AM




I don't think there's really anyway to protect my reputation except to do the right thing even, when no one's looking. That means that the horses in my care come first, whether I own them or someone else. It takes extra care, steps and $ to make sure everyone gets taken care of but it pays off. At any given time there can be $500,000 worth of horses here. It's my number one priority to make sure ALL of the horses receive the same high level of care that my personal horses do.

******The bottom line is the only thing protecting my reputation is satisfied customers.*******

Am I selective about the horses I take based on potential ?
No, not at all. I don't want a bronc or something unsound, that's about it.

If some one sends a horse that was a not a good prospect, would I still train it ?
That depends on what the owner's goals were. I've had some that ask me to evaluate and stop training if I don't think he will make a good horse. I've also had some that tell me that they like the horse, it really doesn't matter what I think and to train him. The owner is made aware of anything that might hinder training, such as soreness, unsoundness, etc.
I want to know the owner's goals and proceed accordingly.

Liana D - 2014-08-18 10:48 PM I would never be able to answer that since I would cheat and chomp down on it !

Southtxponygirl - 2014-08-19 8:56 AM I have never gotton to the center with out muching down on it myself, lol... 

LRQHS - 2014-08-19 8:57 AM Nobody likes a cheater lol. 

Liana D - 2014-08-18 10:34 PM I'll answer this one now, since I know it's not on the show. First of all, thank u, Turn Lane for the "SuperWoman" status. I don't try, nor do I claim to be SuperWoman. I work to be the best I can be at whatever I'm doing, be that baking a pie or training/riding a barrel horse. I've learned from several different disciplines and trainers and blended it into my own remix, still learning new things. I think what Turn Lane is referring to are other talents that I've picked up along the way such as, plumbing, welding, operating heavy equipment, including but not limited to Bulldozers and backhoes. Most of these talents were born out if necessity, not just hobbies. I'm the only one here most of the time so if something breaks down, usually it's easier for me to fix it and go on.

TurnLane - 2014-08-19 9:02 AM Well modesty is likely your # 1 trait. But let me see if I can sum up the Super Woman status, beyond the ultra uber horse training/competing/ riding skills.



Book smart, common sense, better at lameness diagnosis than most vets, counselor, money market manager, animal psychic, farrier, plumber, horticulturist, carpenter, ground specialist, dog trainer, roper, cow/calf master chute help,  homemade jam maker officianado, pot roast chef, deluxe pie maker, tractor technician, weed slayer, feed supplement guru, photographer, videographer, master whiskey taster and many many more.

TurnLane - 2014-08-19 9:09 AM Thought of two of the most important traits:





TRUE FRIEND and MENTOR 

Liana D - 2014-08-20 11:48 AM Answers to Oija's questions: How do I manage my time ? Very carefully. Multi tasking, I'm the queen of it ! In the summer I try to get 2/3 of my horses ridden by lunch time. During the heat of the day I run errands, return phone calls, go to the vet, etc. I finish up my riding starting back late in the afternoon into evening. Because of my obligations to clients I'm very rarely gone all day or over nite. I can be to the Tulsa airport in 45 min. Most of my trips I leave before daylight in the morning and get home late the same nite . I've been know to drive to Stephenville and back in the same day. 15 hrs round trip. I don't use interns. I saddle, un saddle, wash, doctor, etc. I will know your horse better than you do in a short amount of time. I have one very hard working helper that cleans stalls, mows a lot of grass and works the ground in the arena and round pens. I usually lead two or three horses at a time instead of just one. I do have a 6 horse Equiciser which helps me a lot.

Ridenrun4745 - 2014-08-20 12:40 PM

I've really enjoyed reading this, thanks Lianna for answering the questions. That was very cool of you!

oija - 2014-08-22 6:04 PM Hey, just as an update for everybody, here's the interview. http://www.buzzsprout.com/23879/197939-between-the-barrels-with-lia... And all that being said, I shared a video of Zephyr at 60-70 days with Liana. Here she is at 90-100 or so. I pick her up mid September. You can see how much softer she's gotten and she's just started rollbacks. Liana is a true hand. If you want a phenomenal handle on one, a good foundation, and a HEALTHY horse when you get it back, she's your gal. http://youtu.be/8NiSyVhfcdY