Josh Titus, of Lebanon, Mo., knows that every situation can turn into a learning opportunity and that is the exact mindset he has used when it comes to horsemanship.
Josh grew up just outside Lebanon near Bennett Spring where he found his appreciation for horses. At the young age of 16, Josh was introduced to a local horseman, Steve Atkisson, who would take Josh on trail rides – trail riding turned into team roping, which eventually led Josh to natural horsemanship.
In 2009 and again in 2010, Josh attended a horsemanship clinic in Springfield, Mo., instructed by Dennis Reis. Reis and his crew tour 35 states each year preforming natural horsemanship clinics. “Dennis was starting a colt and that got my attention. I started talking to him and he offered me a job on the road. Two days later I accepted the job and met Dennis and his crew in Alabama. I started out driving the horse trailer and doing labor work,” explained Josh.
As the months went by, Reis gave Josh a little more responsibility and by fall 2011 Josh was running the camera, sound, driving trucks and setting up tour stops. “I went from doing nothing to running it all,” shared Josh. “I learned to start colts, teach students dressage and work with problem horses all under the instruction of Dennis.”
More recently, Josh left the life on the road to come back home to Lebanon to be closer to family and to put his skills to work. That’s when Josh Titus Horsemanship was established offering horse shoeing, riding lessons, colt starting, working with problem horses and group horsemanship clinics.
“Owners deserve the best quality and my attention, so I strive to give them the best quality and the truest service,” stated Josh.
When working with clients Josh explained his strategy, “I want to show my clients how to work with their horses differently. My job is to make my clients conscious of knowing they don’t know what they’re doing. Getting them to become unconsciously confident is the ultimate goal. I teach people how to speak to their horse.”
“Horses won’t learn from pain. It’s a psychological thing just like with people,” explained Josh. “You don’t want your horse to dread making a mistake. Let them make a mistake and then teach them from it.”
When selecting the right horse Josh suggested, “Each person should find the horse you have a unique relationship with.”
Josh has found that unique relationship with his horse, Harlan. By building trust and speaking to his horse Josh is able to ride and control Harlan without using reins or even a saddle.
When Josh steps into the round pen with Harlan he secures Harlan’s attention. “There can only be one herd leader and I am that leader.”
