Jason Irwin: The Journey of a Horse Trainer

In this inspiring episode, Paula Curtis talks with renowned horseman Jason Irwin about the evolution of his horsemanship journey—from learning hands-on skills from ranchers to developing the soft, feel-based approach he’s known for today. Jason shares how real-world experience shaped his understanding of horses and why feel, timing, and observation are at the heart of every great partnership.

Together, they explore the balance between groundwork and riding, the importance of setting small, achievable goals, and how Liberty work builds trust and communication. From managing bucking to finding the right horse-rider match, this conversation offers practical wisdom for riders of all levels—reminding us that great horsemanship isn’t about doing more, but about listening, learning, and refining together with the horse.

🎧 Chapters & Highlights:
00:00 | Introduction to North Star Livestock
07:27 | The Evolution of Training Methods
12:28 | Preparing Riders for Returning to Horses
19:26 | Setting Goals and Benchmarks in Horsemanship
25:06 | The Role of Clinics in Horse Training
32:06 | The Art of Horsemanship
39:17 | Groundwork vs. Riding: Finding Balance
46:58 | Understanding the Transition from Groundwork to Riding
52:43 | Recognizing Readiness in Horse Training
01:00:36 | Dealing with Bucking: Techniques and Strategies
01:10:45 | Building a Foundation Through Experience
01:16:02 | Finding the Right Match
01:20:47 | The Value of Clinics and Training
01:25:15 | The Journey of Horsemanship
01:32:05 | Podcast Outro + Music